MILWAUKEE - Eight gay rights activists face charges for trespassing at Wisconsin Lutheran College. The protestors went on campus after administrators told them to stay away.

A security guard warned activists from the group Soulforce to stay off the private college property, but that didn't stop them.

Six Soulforce protesters and two local activists were taken away in handcuffs by Milwaukee police for trying to set up outreach tables.

"Wisconsin Lutheran College has made it clear that gay people and their allies, transgender, bisexual, lesbian people, are not welcome on this campus," said Soulforce staff member Haven Herrin.

Soulforce travels to Christian campuses by bus to promote homosexual acceptance. Wisconsin Lutheran College administrators turned down their requests to speak on campus.

Rev. Ron Muetzel, Wisconsin Lutheran College vice president of institutional advancement and church relations, told local pastors in a letter, "We have agreed among ourselves to let them wander the outdoor areas of the campus… but we will not let them enter the buildings." TODAY'S TMJ4 obtained a copy of that letter.

Allison Eby was one of eight protesters that police say pushed too far. She got arrested for trespassing.

TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray asked Eby, "Does being arrested help what you're trying to accomplish?"

"I believe it does," she replied.

Edie Boatman, public affairs vice president, said Wisconsin Lutheran College does not permit openly gay students. She said the college denied Soulforce requests to come on campus because the group's presence would disrupt the school day.

The protesters spent about three hours locked up at the Milwaukee Police Department's District 3 headquarters before they were allowed to post bail.

Arrested volunteers may have to appear in court later.

Wisconsin Lutheran College Web site

Soulforce Web site