Associated Press
PROVO, Utah — Two students who ordained themselves so they could legally throw a party in Provo may be put on probation for violating Brigham Young University’s honor code.
The Mormon church-owned school recommended probation because the students either belong to two churches or left the Mormon church for another.
Charles Clawson and John Hash were attempting to take advantage of a loophole in a Provo law that requires anyone holding a public dance to hire security guards and install a metal detector and surveillance cameras.
Churches are exempt, so the students used the Internet to become ministers of the Universal Life Church, a 10-minute process that required only their names and addresses.
The Internet credentials didn’t satisfy city officials, who handed Charles Clawson and his brother Corbin citations for violating the dance law. The misdemeanors would likely bring a fine or community service.
BYU also recommended that Corbin Clawson be put on probation. The terms of university probation for the three men are confidential, said Carri Jenkins, assistant to the president. The students can appeal the decision.
Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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