Families allege violation of parental rights by classroom discussion of homosexuality
Two families have filed a lawsuit in federal court against school officials in Lexington, Massachusetts, alleging that their parental rights were violated when homosexuality was discussed in their children’s classrooms. Tonia and David Parker filed suit after their son brought home a book from kindergarten that depicted a gay family. Joseph and Robin Wirthlin joined the Parkers’ suit after a second-grade teacher read King and King to her class. The fairy tale tells the story of two princes falling in love.
Both families claim Lexington school officials violated their parental rights to teach their own morals to their children. During a hearing on Lexington’s motion to dismiss the suit, the school system’s attorney, John Davis, argued that teaching diversity is a "legitimate state interest." Massachusetts is the only U.S. state that allows same-sex marriage. He added that it would be "an administrative nightmare" for schools in Massachusetts to try to predict when the topic of gay marriage will come up and to inform parents ahead of time. "The parents do have rights ... but they don't have the right to dictate to the public school system what their children can be exposed to in the way of ideas," he told the court. Robert Sinsheimer, an attorney for the parents, characterized the homosexual discussions and materials as "a form of propaganda" that is contrary to the parents' religious beliefs. He also contended that while the parents do not want to dictate curriculum, they want to be able to remove their young children from classrooms when homosexuality or gay marriage is being discussed. "What they fear is that their children are being brainwashed," he informed the court.
Boston Globe
By Denise Lavoie (Associated Press)
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