SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A philanthropist being honored by the University of Utah is stepping down from an organization that gay rights groups say has promoted anti-LGBT rhetoric and legislation.
Lynette Nielsen Gay says in a statement that she’s leaving the board of the World Congress of Families because she supports the right of personal choice for all individuals and doesn’t want her values to be misinterpreted.
Gay said in a statement Monday that she had originally joined the group because she believes they help families worldwide.
The University of Utah removed references to Gay’s work with the group and another organization after announcing she’d receive an honorary degree. She’ll receive it at the school’s commencement Thursday.
The school says it removed references to the groups because the organizations’ agendas do not reflect the school’s values.
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