Members must also believe homosexuality is “not in keeping with God’s original plan for humanity.”
A Christian student group at the University of Iowa have come under fire for claiming they have the right to reject LGBTQ members, despite the school’s anti-bias policy.
One of its students, Marcus Miller, told staff last February that he was rejected as vice-president of the group – called Business Leaders in Christ – after revealing his homosexuality. Shortly after, the group deservedly had its status revoked by the university.
A spokesperson said students and staff can freely practice their religion, but they do not “tolerate discrimination of any kind in accordance with federal and state law.”
Business Leaders in Christ – which aims to guide students in “how to continually keep Christ first in the fast-paced business world” – is open to all students, but they must have the belief that marriage is solely between a man and woman.
Members must also believe homosexuality is “not in keeping with God’s original plan for humanity.”
According to the group, Miller did not obey by these rules, hence his rejection as vice-president.
Eric Baxter – the club’s attorney – said: “Every organization to exist has to be able to select leaders who embrace its mission. You would never ask an environmental group to have a climate denier as their leader. It’s the same thing here.”
Club president Jacob Estell said in a statement in December: “This is 2017, not 1984. Our beliefs weren’t made by us, and they can’t be changed by us either – certainly not just to satisfy Orwellian government rules.”
Business Leaders in Christ are campaigning to have their group reinstated, with a hearing set for this Thursday.
In more positive news, Miller’s rejection caused the student to start his own inclusive Christian group – Love Works – and they’ve already been recognised by the university.
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