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Cecil Samuelson, president of LDS Church-owned Brigham Young University, was invited to share a moment of "reflection" at the Scottish Parliament this week. But after Samuelson's speech on Wednesday, an openly gay member of the Scottish Parliament, Patrick Harvey, criticized the selection.
"Mr. Samuelson should never have been invited to address the parliament, given that he leads an institutionally homophobic academic institution," Harvey said, according to The Scotsman. "I make this point not in respect to religion, but an academic institution that has a policy that would be utterly illegal and unacceptable here."
BYU prohibits students from dating or having sexual relationships with members of their same sex.
"This is an institution which is willing to ruin the life chances of young people and to force them to live in fear, simply on the grounds of their sexuality," Harvie told his fellow parliament members, according to the BBC.
The Scottish Parliament invites both faith and non-faith leaders to speak during its opening reflection time. Samuelson's visit was arranged by the parliamentary business minister, who also is a Mormon.
As part of his address, Samuelson said, "Our faith and our trust in heaven are strongly linked in our respect and responsibility for all people, including those of vastly different backgrounds or persuasions."
Another member of parliament, Margo MacDonald, asked that there be "greater discussions" in the future before inviting someone from an institution that supports anti-gay policies.