Christian Ejected from Student Group over Beliefs
By Ololade Olatimehin
A Christian student, Isabella Chow who suggested she could not approve transgender lifestyles or gay marriage has been expelled from a political group she represented on campus.
Chow, a senator within the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) body, has been disaffiliated with the Student Action party following her comments.
During an ASUC debate which touched upon gender identity, Chow said she believed God created man and woman and that marriage should only be between one man and one woman.
She was quoted by The Daily Californian news website as saying: “I cannot vote for these bills without compromising my values and my responsibility to the community who elected me to represent them.
“As a Christian, I do believe that there are certain… lifestyles that conflict with what is good, right and true.”
Following Chow’s opposition to the resolution, she said she did not want to mischaracterize the campus’ Christian community as “homophobic” or “transphobic.” Instead, she characterized her opposition as merely a disagreement.
“It’s a difference in perspective,” Chow said, “but it’s not a difference in action for other people, as other children of God.”
The business and music student added that she loves all people and all identities are valid.
A fellow senator, Teddy Lake, an advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community, was quoted as saying: “I don’t feel comfortable being told that I’m valid and then saying that you disagree with me and my community.”
Student Action suggested Chow’s views on abortion were another attributing factor to her being dropped as a party representative.
In a statement posted on Facebook, leaders said: “As a party, we are committed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of the queer and trans community on this campus are guaranteed.
“As a party, we are committed to establishing and defending access to reproductive health services.
“This is why we, as a party, have resolved to part ways with ASUC Senator Isabella Chow due to inconsistencies between her beliefs and the mission of Student Action.”
Picture Source: Christian Radio, Campus Reform
