Rexburg Prepares for Gay Activist Group

Rexburg Prepares for Gay Activist Group

By Nate Eaton

A bus full of gay activists is scheduled to arrive in Rexburg Saturday.

Soulforce Equality is a group traveling the country visiting colleges they believe discriminate against homosexuals.

The group of about 30 will arrive Saturday around noon. Sunday they plan on attending an LDS sacrament meeting. On Monday, they will visit BYU-Idaho where they'll hold a vigil and press conference.

Both the university and city are preparing for their visit.

Chief Lynn Archibald, Rexburg Police: "I don't anticipate any problems from either entity We're not telling Soulforce what to do or what not to do. We're not telling the community. We'll just be there to do our job."

Almost 30 gay riders are expected to visit BYU-Idaho on Monday where Soulforce organizers say they'll hold a vigil, a press conference, and try to speak with administrators.

Marc Stevens, BYU-Idaho: "We have asked students and employees to be courteous and to be respectful. We have encouraged them to not engage in any kind of conflict or debate."

BYU-Idaho has told the group they will not be allowed on campus because the university is private and doesn't allow any group on to push any sort of agenda. So if riders so enter campus...

Archibald: "They will be arrested. They will be issued a citation for criminal trespassing and that's where it will end."

In addition to visiting BYU-Idaho, Soulforce plans to attend some Family Home Evenings and is scheduled to hold a rally and picnic at Porter Park Tuesday night.

Officials know some in the community aren't happy the group is coming but hope nothing bad comes of the visit.

Archibald: "We would hope that our community welcomes them in and listens to what they have to say and we hope in turn that they will respect the position of the school."

Extra police officers will be out during the entire stay of Soulforce...both for the safety of riders and community members.

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