Trump endorsed by head of Christian university which bans gay sex
Donald Trump has accepted an endorsement from the head of a private Christian university which bans gay sex and demanded an exemption from anti-discrimination laws.
The billionaire reality TV star-turned-politician revealed today his endorsement from Jerry Falwell Jr, the head of the private right-wing Liberty University.
Liberty, a private Christian university, has come under some scrutiny in the past for its staunch opposition to LGBT rights.
The university banned all LGBT groups in 2006 on the grounds of ‘morality’, and in 2014 secured an exemption from federal anti-discrimination laws to allow it to discriminate against LGBT people.
All students are required to sign a statement promising not to have gay sex or sex with a transgender person – even if they’re married.
It states: “Sexual relations outside of a biblically ordained marriage between a natural-born man and natural-born woman are not permissible at Liberty University.”
Trump failed to address this while speaking at the university – hailing Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr’s endorsement as a “great honour” and calling him “one of the most respected religious leaders in our nation”.
He said: “As President I promise to protect Christianity. I can say that – I don’t have to be politically correct, we’re going to protect it.”
Farwell described Trump as “a successful executive and entrepreneur, a wonderful father and a man who I believe can lead our country to greatness again”.
He said: “He cannot be bought, he’s not a puppet on a string like many other candidates … who have wealthy donors as their puppet masters.
Recently a couple was denied a military spouse tuition discount from Liberty University – because they are a same-sex couple.
Democrat Bernie Sanders also came under fire for speaking at Liberty last year – though unlike Mr Trump, he is a consistent supporter of LGBT rights.
