Michigan College and Community Outraged by School's Anti-LGBT Policy

Students at Hope College in Michigan are speaking out against a new policy on sexuality that was adopted by its board of trustees on Friday, January 28. The statement reads, ?Sexuality, including longing and expression, is a good gift from God and a fact of our existence affirmed in the Christian scriptures and by the Church throughout the centuries. This biblical witness calls us to a life of chastity among the unmarried and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.? It goes on to say that the university will not recognize or support campus organizations that do not support this ?vision."A student organization called Hope is Ready has collected over 700 signatures against adopting this policy, arguing that the school should have an open environment. The group was formed in 1995 after the school adopted a position that condemned LGBT students on the campus. ?We believe that the institution is made up of faculty and staff and students that don?t agree with this policy,? said Hope is Ready leader Alison Bernard.The issue has spread to the community, where an anti-discrimination ordinance has been proposed for Holland. A new group called ?Holland is Ready,? led by Reverend Jennifer Adams, is pushing for the law. ?Holland is Ready strives to help greater Holland grow in compassion, understanding, and diversity with regard to LGBT people and their families,? she noted in a statement, expressing disappointment for the college?s policy.Related Media Coverage:WZZM ABC 13 ? January 31, 2011?Students Respond to Hope College?s New Stance on Sexuality?http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=151572&catid=14

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