The alumni association of a Catholic university that refused to enter a lesbian couple into its Valentine’s Day competition has reversed its decision after widespread pressure on its Facebook page.
Megan Edwards and Katie MacTurk were told they could not enter the ‘How I Met My Hawk Mate’ Facebook competition run by Philadelphia-based Saint Joseph University’s Alumni Association, because the Catholic Church does not “recognise same-sex marriage”, the Daily Mail reports.
While other former students were in line for the $100 prize for posting the love story with most ‘likes’, Edwards and MacTurk, who met while studying at the university, did not have their entry included.
Edwards and MacTurk, who are due to be married next year, expressed their disappointment in a Facebook post, writing: “Our alma mater told us that we are not really, fully part of the SJU community.... Words cannot express the disappointment and sadness we felt after hearing this.”
But following widespread pressure, the association published the couple’s story on Thursday, alongside a disclaimer reinforcing the university’s views on gay relationships.
“Saint Joseph’s University fully supports and is in agreement with the Catholic Church’s teachings regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage,” the association’s administrators wrote. “As a Catholic, Jesuit university, Saint Joseph’s is a welcoming, inclusive community. Our focus is on respect and caring for all individuals as individuals.”
Following the U-turn, MacTurk praised those who backed the couple with a message on her own Facebook page. She wrote: “Thank you everyone for the outpouring of support - I am truly amazed at how many friends, old and new, have reached out and expressed their love and support! THANK YOU!”, according to the Daily Mail.
