Trustees: 'Hands are tied'

vvdailypress.com ^ | 02/11/05 | EMILY BERG

[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.

[nicmarlo]

I had no idea that homosex advocacy groups were this flagrant.

That's because they are so very clever at hiding behind acronyms. Just because their closets are open, doesn't mean what their intentions are is as well. They keep inventing new names to hide behind so people won't find out what they're doing. They use innocent sounding words like "tolerance" and "diversity" to push through their agenda....if you object to their programs, then they can attack you saying you're "intolerant" and a "bigot" or "rascist."

[Sir_Ed]

Not only that, but last week Weaver yelled at a reporter "Get out of my hospital, you work for a worthless rag!"

The reporter replied "It's a legitimate newspaper." She replied "It is, huh, well, IT ENDORSED BUSH!" and she pushed him towards the door.

I stopped watching that day...

Ed