Gay rights activists arrested at college

PURCELLVILLE, Va. — Two members of a homosexual-rights group were arrested yesterday during a protest outside Patrick Henry College for trespassing on the campus after they were warned they were not welcome.

Soulforce, a Lynchburg, Va.-based homosexual-rights group, stopped at the Christian college during the second year of the group’s nationwide “Equality Ride” tour, which organizers say is inspired by the civil rights demonstrations of the 1960s.

College administrators had told Soulforce members they were not welcome on campus, but offered to send students to participate in an off-campus debate about the proposed federal marriage amendment.

Tour organizer Jarrett Lucas and member Joshua Polycarpe were arrested for trespassing, a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $2,500 fine, Loudoun County Sheriff Stephen O. Simpson said.

“We’re not here to debate — we’re here to reconcile being gay and Christian,” Mr. Polycarpe told reporters prior to his arrest.

“Human rights should not be a debate,” Mr. Lucas said.

Demonstrators were met by more than 75 law-enforcement officials from the Town of Purcellville Police Department, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department and Virginia State Police.

Other than the arrests, the demonstration occurred without incident.

The 25 Soulforce members were joined by about a dozen community members as they lined up outside the college’s main gate to pray, sing and hold signs.

“We’re here to keep vigil — to reflect that there is a silence in the school,” Mr. Lucas said.

Organizers said the national tour, which has East and West Coast components, is an effort to spread Christianity’s message of love and inclusion for all of God’s children.

“We’re asking [the school] to live up to our name,” Mr. Lucas said. “Christianity was founded on principles of inclusion.”

Whether Patrick Henry administrators and students approve of homosexuality, it’s important to start a dialogue among future neighbors, coworkers and leaders of America, member Robin Padrika Reynolds said.

“Our children may go to school together one day,” she said.

Patrick Henry sophomore Justin Reddington said the group’s assumptions reinforce stereotypes about the school.

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