University student group sues for right to remain Christian

Philadelphia, Pa., Oct 18, 2004 / 22:00 pm

The Christian Legal Society is suing Pennsylvania State University on behalf of a Christian student group, after the university has required the group to allow homosexuals and non-Christians to become officers, reported AgapePress.

Six months ago, the public university denied official recognition to the DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship, arguing the university had too many Christian groups on campus. After being sued by the Christian Legal Society, the university agreed to provide DiscipleMakers with funding and office space.

However, the school recently told the Christian student group that it would lose recognition again if it selected its officers and members on the basis of "sexual orientation" or religion, prompting another lawsuit.

Lawyer Tim Tracey thinks that no group on campus, under the logic of Penn State's non-discrimination policy, could be guaranteed the right to maintain its integrity.

Tracey believes Penn State is violating the students’ First Amendment rights. Furthermore, he says the administration is particularly discriminating against the DiscipleMakers as a Christian organization.

"Just like the College Republicans wouldn't want Students for Kerry to come in and run their club," he says, "it's no different that a Christian club doesn't want people who blatantly disagree with their beliefs to come in and run their club."