The following is excerpted from Millennial Star. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Last week the Church updated the General Handbook and released it to the membership at large. In conjunction with this BYU released some changes to its Honor Code which have caused a lot of confusion and have given BYU more press than it probably should have (seriously, we should all be talking about the Basketball game against Gonzaga instead of this).

The part of the Honor Code that was changed said:

“Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings of attraction and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards. Members of the University community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code. One’s stated gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a straight commitment to the law of chastity. Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Cord. Homosexual behaviors includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expressions to homosexual feelings.”

That is now gone and the Honor Code states:

Church Educational System Honor Code

Brigham Young University and other Church Educational System institutions exist to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That atmosphere is created and preserved by a community of faculty, administration, staff, and students who voluntarily commit to conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others. By accepting appointment, continuing in employment, being admitted, or continuing class enrollment, each member of the BYU community personally commits to observe these Honor Code standards approved by the Board of Trustees “at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9):

  • Be honest.
  • Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from any sexual relations outside a marriage between a man and a woman.
  • Respect others, including the avoidance of profane and vulgar language.
  • Obey the law and follow campus policies.
  • Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, and substance abuse.
  • Participate regularly in Church services (required only of Church members).
  • Observe Brigham Young University’s dress and grooming standards.
  • Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.

Many people have interpreted this to mean that same-sex dating, if kept within the guidelines outlined in For the Strength of Youth book, is now acceptable at BYU. Some of these people include professors, LGBT activists, and members of the campus community. There has been no end of confusion to say the least.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.