Boulder Preschooler Kicked Out Of School Because Moms Are Gay
- Empowering Spirits Foundation Notes
March 8, 2010
A Catholic school in Boulder is kicking out one of its preschoolers because the child’s parents are gay. The decision has sparked intense debate in the community and beyond.
The child has been denied re-enrollment in kindergarten next year because the parents are lesbians. Many feel that to place a preschooler in the middle of a fight about religion and sexuality is just simply wrong and against the teachings of Jesus.
Demonstrators protested the decision at a Sunday Mass. Many stood in silent protest and others held signs. One banner read “Teach acceptance. Celebrate all of God’s children.”
According to a statement released by the Denver archdiocese:
“To preserve the mission of our schools, and to respect the faith of wider Catholic community, we expect all families who enroll students to live in accord with Catholic teaching. Parents living in open discord with Catholic teaching in areas of faith and morals unfortunately choose by their actions to disqualify their children from enrollment.”
Many have been vocal in the apparent double standard this decision seems to show. Some of the tenets of the faith are rooted in teaching acceptance and tolerance, however this issue seems to go against those fundamentals.
Some Catholic religious experts said the decision is marred the church is singling out these women and their child.
The church pastor, Rev. Bill Breslin, addressed the issue in his sermon on Sunday. He also posted his comments on his blog.
“If a child of gay parents comes to our school, and we teach that gay marriage is against the will of God, then the child will think that we are saying their parents are bad.”
He went on to say, “We don’t want to put any child in that tough position.”
According to school officials, questions about sexual orientation are not specifically asked during enrollment, however once administrators found out they made a decision to let the student finish out the year.
