The Mormon Church is dousing a controversy on Brigham Young University's position on "homosexual behavior."
BYU removed the section in its honor code that banned homosexual behavior, bringing cheers to the school's LGBTQ community, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a letter to students, faculty, and staff this week.
"Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles included in the honor code," the letter from the Church Educational System's Elder Paul V. Johnson concluded.
BYU had a honor code entry banning public displays of affection and "all forms of physical intimacy that gives expression to homosexual feelings," but upon removal of that entry, there were both cheers and objections.
"Recently, the language of the principle-based Church Education System honor code was updated," Johnson's letter began. "Those adjustments included significant doctrinal and behavioral matters that have led to much discussion and some misinterpretation. Out of respect for all concerned we are providing the following clarifying statement.
"One change to the honor code language that has raised questions was the removal of a section on 'homosexual behavior.' The moral standards of the church did not change with the recent release of the General Handbook or the updated honor code. There is and only has been more to living the Lord's standard of a chaste and virtuous life than refraining from sexual relations outside of marriage. Lasting joy comes when we live the spirit as well as the letter's of God's laws."
Kevin Utt, director of BYU's Honor Code Office, issued a Q&A responding to the controversial exchange.
"We realize that emotions over the last two weeks cover the spectrum and that some have and will continue to feel isolation and pain," Utt wrote. "We encourage all members of our campus community to reach out to those who are personally affected with sensitivity, love and respect."