The event, which invites people of the same gender to express affection on campus grounds, was organized by LGBTQ+ students and allies taking aim at the college’s “homophobic policies.”
“This Valentines Day we will flood campus with queer joy” the protest’s flyer, which began circulating a few days ago on social media, read.
In response, some students showed rainbow flair on their backpacks and carried yellow flowers. The more daring ones held hands.
In 2020, the college relaxed its persecution of “homosexual behavior,” but officials reiterated that “Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles in the honor code.” deseret.com/faith/2020/3/4…
About 100 supporters gathered at the Wilkinson Student Center before walking on a loop around the college’s iconic buildings #utpol
Matt Easton (left) made national headlines when he came out during his 2019 #BYU valedictorian speech. He returned to Utah specifically to attend today’s protest.
“I think today was less about trying to make something happen in the moment and cause a ruckus, and more about existing in a space authentically,” alumn @StaceyHarkey said.
Harkey said he was closeted during his stint at BYU.
“I never really gave myself a chance to get to know me,” he said about his experience living under the #HonorCode.
Other than a couple of surprised looks and a cheer or two from passers-by, the affectionate protest ended without incident (and with campus security at bay).
Road closure on 1300 East by the I-80 entrance due to a protest in progress #slc #utah #upol
The SLC gathering—which closed down the busy Sugar House intersection for nearly two hours—was part of a Global Day of Action that saw similar disruptive events in 100 cities across 45 countries
A winter weather advisory wasn’t able to deter the hundreds who showed up on Saturday. In between chants and speeches, some speculated the protest might turn into a march on the freeway itself, but that didn’t materialize
‘Rally for Reproductive Freedom’ underway at the state Capitol #utpol#utleg
“We stand in solidarity with all AFAB individuals, and recognize that our country has never truly ensured the rights that they deserve,” organizers Pro Choice People of Utah said
Attendees are carrying signs emblazoned with messages like, Red, white and trash,” “Land of the free, my ass,” and Abortion is Liberty”
A few hundred are out today at SLC’s Washington Square Park in response to SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade #utpol
Utah is one of a handful of states with a “trigger” ban that takes effect after an official certifies that all or part of the landmark decision has been overturned #utleg
The event, which gives way to a march to the City and County Bldg., gives a political tinge to this weekend’s Pride 🏳️🌈 festivities
.@slcCouncil member @DarinMano, dressed in what he called his “gay clothes,” recalled his first #Pride experience, when he didn’t feel brave enough to get out of his car, and celebrated everyone present #utpol
Following the tragedy in Uvalde, Utah Sen. @derekkitchen announced plans to open a bill aiming to raise firearm-purchasing age to 21. Optics aside, the red state's political system will ensure it doesn't happen #utpol#utlegmedium.com/@EnriqueLimon/…
Yes, the time for comprehensive gun reform is now, and it shouldn't take yet another violent event to bring the subject to the table. There are, however, other floor-level factors to consider before considering the headline-grabbing nature of Kitchen’s bill ideation.
Factors like, as @GiffordsCourage points out, include a pressing need for universal background checks, adequate waiting periods before purchasing a firearm (in Utah, it’s none) and the implementation of extreme risk protection orders: giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-…
Second reproductive rights rally at the Capitol this week. This one organized by local media platform @redhiveco#utpol#utleg
On Tuesday, the same spot played host to more than 1,000 reproductive rights supporters who came out following the #SupremeCourt leaked draft opinion on Roe v. Wade threadreaderapp.com/thread/1521641…
A few hundred are here today, some carrying signs emblazoned with slogans like “Mind your own uterus” and “Keep abortion legal in Utah.” The State is one of a handful with trigger laws set in place should the landmark decision be overturned