LGBT groups ask Big 12 to rule out BYU for expansion

A group of LGBT organizations have asked the Big 12 not to consider BYU for expansion, according to Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports.

Athlete Ally and the National Center for Lesbian Rights sent a letter to Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby urging the conference to exclude BYU from consideration.

"BYU … actively and openly discriminates against its LGBT students and staff," the letter said. "It provides no protections for LGBT students … Given BYU’s homophobic, biphobic and transphobic policies and practices, BYU should not be rewarded with Big 12 membership."

BYU is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its honor code includes a section on homosexuality.

It reads:

Brigham Young University will respond to homosexual behavior rather than to feelings or attraction and welcomes as full members of the university community all whose behavior meets university standards. Members of the university community can remain in good Honor Code standing if they conduct their lives in a manner consistent with gospel principles and the Honor Code.

One's stated same-gender attraction is not an Honor Code issue. However, the Honor Code requires all members of the university community to manifest a strict commitment to the law of chastity. Homosexual behavior is inappropriate and violates the Honor Code. Homosexual behavior includes not only sexual relations between members of the same sex, but all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings.

"BYU’s policies go against everything the Big 12 stands for," said Ashland Johnson, director of policy and campaigns for Athlete’s Ally. "Their member schools are very progressive. If they allow BYU into their conference, all of the LGBT student-athletes, coaches and fans who travel to BYU will not have any (discrimination) protections."

The Cougars released a statement to FOX Sports in response to the letter, which was also signed by 23 other groups.

"BYU welcomes as full members of the university community all whose conduct meets university standards. We are very clear and open about our honor code, which all students understand and commit to when they apply for admission. One’s stated sexual orientation is not an issue."

In addition to BYU, several teams have expressed interest in joining the Big 12, including Houston, Memphis, UCF, Colorado State, South Florida, Cincinnati, and UConn.