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Oct 30, 2009 4:57 pm US/Central
Students To Vote On UNT Same-Sex Homecoming
By Selena Hernandez
DENTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Poll
Do you think the University of North Texas should allow same-sex couples to run for homecoming king and queen?
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Students at the University of North Texas have a decision to make - will they allow same-sex couples on future homecoming ballots? It's a decision that's now been placed in their hands, following an outcry of protest from some gay students on campus.
Armed with a bullhorn, Elizabeth Pax shouted for equal rights outside of the campus Union Hall. She, along with other gay students, is looking for change. "I want my campus and my country to show we're progressive and liberal, and we want to embrace everybody and every walk of life," Pax said.
Members of the gay student community are voicing their opinion about an upcoming, potentially historic vote. The vote could allow same-sex couples as homecoming candidates.
"I think the student body getting to express their opinion is democracy in progress. I think it's a great opportunity for the students to say yes, we want this on our campus, or no, this isn't the time for it," UNT student president Dakota Carter said.
The vote was born out of protest. Video posted on YouTube showed the discontent during a government meeting on October 14. Members of the gay community chanted as they made their way inside, demanding the issue of same-sex couples on the homecoming ballot be reconsidered.
"The Senators felt maybe there is a need to address the issue, and that's when the new referendum was formed," Carter said.
Earlier this month, the student government voted against the issue. Now, the decision will be left for students to decide. A controversial issue that has drawn mixed reaction from some students.
"I haven't heard a lot of heated debate – but the awareness is there," UNT student Amy Golden said.
"It's just a homecoming court – it's really not that big of a deal," UNT junior Joshua Morales said. "We're not talking about putting restrictions or taking rights away from anybody here. It's just a popularity contest."
Voting begins November 16 and runs through November 20. Students are able to cast their vote online.
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