Monday, February 26, 2007

Massachusetts Judge Ignores First Amendment

But discovers a non-existent "diversity" amendment

We read:

"A Federal judge in Boston has dismissed a suit by two families who wanted to stop a Massachusetts town and its public school system from teaching their children about gay marriage, court documents show.

The families last year filed the suit asserting that the reading of a gay-themed book and handing out to elementary school students of other children's books that discussed homosexuality without first notifying parents was a violation of their religious rights.

Federal Judge Mark Wolf ruled yesterday public schools are "entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy.'' "Diversity is a hallmark of our nation. It is increasingly evident that our diversity includes differences in sexual orientation,'' he said. ....

A lawyer for the families said they would appeal the ruling, the Boston Globe reported today.

Source

It sounds to me that the judge was "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion. More background here. The chief plaintiff, David Parker, was simply asking to be notified in advance when homosexuality was going to be taught in the school his little kid (aged 5) was attending.