Posted on 02/11/2005 8:30:57 AM PST by Ellesu
Attorney says stopping mock gay weddings would violate students' free-speech rights:
Though some school board members said they may disagree with the simulated gay weddings a student club plans to hold today at Silverado High School, they must uphold the state and federal laws that allow it.
The board is bound by the laws in the Education Code, the Equal Access Act and rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, according to a written statement from the district.
"Although my personal beliefs conflict with this event, I am still bound to support the Constitution of the United States," said Valerie Emick, president of the board.
Students of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at the Victorville high school plan to hold simulated weddings between three couples, two females and one male, during today's two lunch periods.
The board of trustees received information from its attorney that to stop the simulated weddings would violate the students' free-speech rights.
Trustees Carl Tate and John Cordero also personally disagree with the event.
"I think it sends the wrong message to our students regardless of the religious beliefs they have," Tate said. "Unfortunately, our hands are tied by laws."
"One of the wonderful things about the Constitution of the United States is that it affords free speech for everyone regardless of whether that speech agrees with my personal views," Cordero said.
Trustees Mike Davis and Barbara Dew said they are neutral on holding the simulated same-sex ceremonies at the school.
"Even if I had an opinion I cannot say this is right or wrong," Dew said. "That way I don't offend people for what they believe."
Mike Davis recognized that this is an emotional issue.
"I respect all people's viewpoints," he said.
In a written statement the district also stated that the ceremony is not part of the district's board-approved curriculum.
The district will continue to monitor the event to ensure the safety of all its students and staff, according to the district's statement.
Ceslie Garza, left, shows off a wedding dress to Richard Espinoza that she plans on wearing today in a simulated same-sex marriage at Silverado High School during lunch periods. The two, both members of the schools Gay Straight Alliance, along with fellow members, planned the weddings in honor of National Freedom to Marry Day on Saturday. The groups intention is to promote awareness, acceptance and tolerance of same-sex marriage.
And on the flip side, if a kid brings a piece of cardboard, that looks even remotely like a gun, of if a 6 year old draws stick figures depicting "violence" they get suspended. I wonder what the Constitution says about their rights?
I have about had it with this gay rights BS. I use to not have anything against them but I am changing my mind.
"Students of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club at the Victorville high school..."
Why do we have sex clubs in our public schools? What the hell happened to 4-H?
So, would he "respect my viewpoint" if I were to hold, say, a counter-protest? What if I went the other way and held a "mock concentration camp in praise of Hitler"?
(This is in California? helpful to add to keyword, thanks)
This would be the first board member I'd vote out of office.
What a load of leftist doublespeak!
There is no violation by stopping the pretend weddings. It is not political speach.
If they are so tollerant then the Parents should IMMEDIATLY demand that the NARTH scientists be given EQUAL time to discuss how homosexuality is a treatable ILLNESS.
I guess this is the only school in the country that did not ban religious songs and prayer in clubs over the last winter holiday?
Thanks, Sorry, someone added it for me. I agree with your comments and no, IMO he would not respect your viewpoints.
So who declared this day?
http://www.richardmullenax.com/?page=columns&art=32975
The Right To Marry...
...And The Right To Be Silent
By Rob Tong
Thursday 10th of February 2005 03:12 PM MST
Everything has a day.
In February, for example, there is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day and Toothache Day. Presumably, they are not related.
Well, make room for one more. Since 1997, a National Freedom To Marry Day was established for February 12th. No, it was not started by Jennifer Lopez. Rather, it was started by the Freedom To Marry Coalition, whose stated goal is "the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Headed by Evan Wolfson, one of America's leading lesbian/gay rights advocates and lawyers, Freedom to Marry (FTM) brings new resources and a renewed context of urgency and opportunity to this social justice movement."
The FTM Coalition is backed by some of the most liberal groups in the country, including the ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, GLAAD, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, DontAmend.com, and a host of others.
I guess Toothache Day doesn't seem so bad, after all.
Although the official FTM web site and "Resource Kit" does not mention it, one report has it that, as part of FTM Day, homosexuals will visit selected churches across America to protest those churches' opposition to same-sex marriages.
I would like to encourage anyone who opposes same-sex marriages to avoid talking to FTM people on FTM Day, Feb. 12th (rather than seek them out for debate) for two reasons.
First, same-sex marriage opponents need to represent the cause well. Would the cause be better received by most Americans if you are calm and civil, or if you are drooling with hysterical hatred? In this type of setting on Feb. 12th, FTM advocates may try to provoke you, and a "discussion" can quickly escalate into a confrontation...or worse. Being branded as angry and virulent will only hurt the cause more... especially if there is media coverage, and even if FTM proponents are just as angry and virulent.
Second, nothing positive will be accomplished. In this type of setting on Feb. 12th, FTM supporters will not have open minds to what you may have to say. Better to meet or talk with these people individually in a less charged atmosphere, where emotions can be more easily tempered and controlled.
Many other ways (and days) of stopping FTM disinformation and propaganda exist. Attempting to do so on FTM Day would not only be unproductive but it could be counterproductive.
So just like International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day and Toothache Day, it's best to simply ignore Freedom To Marry Day.
They must know of a different Consitution than the one used by Hudson High School in Massachusetts that wouldn't allow conservative students a fundraiser booth for "Adopt a Sniper"
I would like to see the schedule for the "Cure and Prevention of Homosexuality".
If there is a Right to be exercised then there is a right to be exercised. Now if somebody was SMART they would keep religion out of it totally. It would be presented as a strictly scientific presentation. This is important because it eliminates the homo-advocates who say all opposition is merely religious.
Here is a link to the Students, Parents, and Guardians Rights and Responsibilities Handbook from the Victor Valley High School District which is the school district which also is responsible for Silverado High School.
http://www.vvuhsd.k12.ca.us/Parent/03-04students-parents-guardiansrights.pdf
This crap is OUT-OF-CONTROL!!!! This "Free Speech" abuse needs to stop. School Board members have no right to control the actions in their school? WTF?!!!!
Calling for School Vouchers for all right now! The more these government schools pull crap like this, the easier it will become to convince the masses that school vouchers are a good idea.
Now here's a celebration that's a little easier to swallow
[please forgive me for that one]
LOL!
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