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LGBT Groups Demand 'Big 12' Refuse BYU for Biblical Belief on Marriage

CBN

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Twenty-six LGBT organizations are demanding that the Big 12 block Brigham Young University from joining the athletic conference because of the institution's biblical belief on same-sex marriage.

BYU has asked to join the athletic conference, which had plans to expand, but Athlete Ally and other LGBT advocacy groups warned Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby and the leadership of schools within the conference about BYU's policies they believe to be discriminatory toward the LGBT community.

"The Big 12 is a conference committed to sportsmanship, fair play and inclusion both on and off the playing field," the groups stated in a letter. "You are known for your dedication to fans and your commitment to the welfare of your student athletes. Adding a school like BYU to your membership while it still champions anti-LGBT policies and practices would greatly undermine these Big 12 values."

The groups further claim that "BYU, conversely, actively and openly discriminates against its LGBT students and staff. It provides no protections for LGBT students. In fact, through its policies, BYU is very clear about its intent to discriminate against openly LGBT students."

BYU's Athletic Director Tom Holmoe responded to the letter in a message on Twitter.

"LGBT players, coaches and fans are always welcome to the BYU campus," Holmoe wrote. "Everyone should be treated with respect, dignity and love."

The Big 12 has admitted Texas Christian University and Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the United States.

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