Y. urged to clarify its policy on gays

PROVO — Three full-time Brigham Young University students and two BYU graduates called on the school to clarify its Honor Code policy about homosexual behavior and advocacy during a panel discussion Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the Soulforce Equality Riders who organized the panel urged anyone who might join today's planned "Walls of Jericho" march around the outskirts of the BYU campus to stay off university property.

Equality Ride spokesman Brandon Kneefel said there is a possibility one Rider would be arrested.

"We have one Rider who grew up LDS and was excommunicated who will attempt to present a list of grievances to the university," Kneefel said. "If that isn't accepted, then that would happen, but it would be only one person."

BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have asked the Equality Riders to stay off their properties, and BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said no administration official has been invited to the 11 a.m. press conference where the grievances are to be aired.

The conservative Christian university welcomed Equality Riders on campus last year on the condition they hold only one-on-one dialogue with students. Instead, after some dialogue, five Riders stood on steps outside the BYU bookstore, yelled and waved documents. They were cited by campus police.

The following day, 24 more people who marched with the group were arrested when they staged a die-in on the edge of campus.

This year, BYU sent Soulforce a "trespass notice."

"Pursuant to BYU policies and/or practices any person whose past actions or intended actions interfere with the peaceful operation, activities or functions of the university or are in violation of university policy may be denied access to university property either temporarily or permanently."

The notice informed Soulforce that the Riders are prohibited from entering campus and subject to citation and arrest for criminal trespass if they do.

The panel discussion was held at the Provo City Library at Academy Square, formerly a part of the BYU campus.

Students Melissa Pomeroy and Lauren Jackson, who said they are lesbians, and Tristan Call, who is straight, called on their fellow students to be more aware of the feelings of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender class- mates.

BYU graduates Michael Cramer and Daniel Holsinger, who served LDS Church missions, said some students cause pain with the things they say.

Holsinger said many BYU students use words that hurt others, as in the popular saying "that is so gay," which means stupid.