8 Arrested During Soulforce Visit to BYU-Idaho

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Story Published: Apr 16, 2007 at 5:20 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:04 PM MST

By Nate Eaton

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Eight members of the gay activist group Soulforce Equality were arrested for trespassing on the campus of BYU-Idaho Monday.

For most of the day, almost 30 members of Soulforce Equality stood silent holding photos of their families.

Haven Herrin, Soulforce Equality: "We are here at BYU-Idaho to have a conversation about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender humanity."

The group claims BYU-Idaho discriminates against gays so they've come to Rexburg to try to discuss the schools policies.

Herrin: "This is a Christ centered institution of higher learning and we feel that there is no better place to really seek some solutions on an issue that is dividing our country today."

Weeks ago, the school told Soulforce they would not be allowed on campus.

Marc Stevens, BYU-Idaho: "BYU-Idaho is a private institution and the university has a long standing policy that the campus cannot be used by outside groups as a public forum to address their agendas."

Despite the policy, eight members of the group entered campus and were quickly arrested by city police...charged with trespassing.

BYU-Idaho says they are more than willing to address the issue of homosexuality and there are plenty of people to work with students but the university says there's more effective ways to deal with these sort of issues.

Stevens: "There are a number of resources open to students if they have concerns. This kind of staged event is not the right way to try and get that help or open that kind of conversation."

BYU-Idaho denies it discriminates against homosexuals...saying the standards of behavior are made clear to students before they enroll and students agree to live those standards while at the university.

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