Hope Christian School in Albuquerque chose not to enroll a 3-year-old to preschool because the two male "parents" exhibit an anti-Christian lifestyle. In response, Joseph Romero and John Keelin have filed a lawsuit in Bernalillo County Court to force admittance for their child. No doubt, if they win, they will then sue the school a second time for teaching that homosexual behavior is sinful.
UPDATE 10/8/15: Lesbians Sue Calif. Christian School for Biblical Beliefs
For background, read Kentucky Christian Business Must Pay Damages to Homosexuals and also read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians over Their Faith as well as Iowa Christian Won't Bake Cake for Lesbian 'Wedding' and in Colorado, Homosexualists and Foreigners Bash Christian Baker
UPDATE 6/20/15: Homosexuals Force Closure of Iowa Wedding Chapel
-- From "NM school refused child of gay parents" by The Associated Press 7/28/12
The Albuquerque Journal reports that attorney Shane Youtz said a couple he represents received a letter from Hope Christian school saying their three-year-old son would not be able to enroll because of his parents' sexual orientation.
Youtz said the move is a violation of the New Mexico Human Rights Act. An official from Hope Christian - which received $61,455 in public, federal funding for the current budget year - declined to comment.
The New Mexico Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in "public accommodations."
It also bans discrimination based sexual orientation.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian Preschool Boots Child of Gay Couple" by Evan Prieskop, Courthouse News Service 12/14/12
"[Joseph Romero and John Keelin] were even told that a new student packet has been prepared for [the child] and that the school was expecting to get acceptance letters out the following week," the complaint states. "However, shortly after learning this information, plaintiffs received a denial letter on April 16, 2010.
"Upon a further inquiry, the school sent a letter dated June 13, 2012 to plaintiffs' attorney. The letter indicated that the school denied admission to plaintiffs' son because plaintiffs were a same gender couple and that, as a result, their home was inconsistent with the school's beliefs."
They seek equitable relief, including their son's acceptance into the school, and compensatory and punitive damages.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Online petition launched after child rejected by school" posted at KOAT-TV7 (Albuquerque) 8/5/12
Members of the Coalition for Student Justice and Get Equal New Mexico started the petition asking congressmen to look into why the school qualifies for federal tax dollars when they won't let a 3-year-old enroll because his parents are gay.
"They're open to everybody, apparently, except children of gay parents," Youtz said. "Religious organizations can't discriminate based upon sexual orientation if they're operating as 501c3 corporations."
Youtz believes the school is a nonprofit, but the school's attorney said they're a private school and stand by their letter to the parents, saying the school trusts that individuals would equally respect its right to its religious beliefs.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Child With Gay Parents Can’t Enroll At School" by Hailey Heinz, Albuquerque Journal Staff Writer 7/28/12
Peter Simonson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, said he thinks [the legal question is:] whether a private school is a “public accommodation.”
The definition of “public accommodation” in New Mexico was refined recently when the state Court of Appeals ruled that an Albuquerque photo studio had violated the Human Rights Act by refusing to photograph a same-sex commitment ceremony.
Simonson also said he does not believe Hope should receive public money, contending that the funding violates the establishment clause in the Bill of Rights. That clause is the basis for the separation of church and state.
But under federal guidelines, the school is eligible for public dollars.
The school receives federal funding under Title II, which is earmarked for teacher training. Don Moya, chief financial officer of Albuquerque Public Schools, said APS staff looked into the federal funding as soon as they heard about the alleged discrimination.
Al Sanchez, director of grant management at APS, said he believes the school has not done anything to disqualify it from receiving the funds. To lose the funds, the school would have to fail to comply with specific conditions of the Title II money, like failing to equitably train teachers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "New Mexico Christian School Sued by Homosexual Twosome for Refusing to Admit Preschooler" by Heather Clark, Christian News Network 12/16/12
“Same gender couples are inconsistent with [a] Scriptural lifestyle and Biblical teachings,” the letter [from Hope Christian School] stated, citing Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9. “[Your] home life doesn’t reflect the school’s belief of what a Biblical family lifestyle is.”
It also outlined that the arrangement would be a difficult educational relationship, as the two entities would be directly at odds, pointing to Amos 3:3, which states, “How can two walk together unless they be agreed?”
Hope Christian School’s website outlines that “[a]dmission is open to students of any race, color, or ethnic origin who are looking for a Christian environment with an emphasis on teaching Biblical principles and truths along with strong academics.”
Hope Christian School is being represented by attorneys from Roanoke, Virginia. According to the school’s website, the institution has been “commended as one of the largest and overall best Christian schools in the USA.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read 'Gay Rights' Winning, Loss of Religious Liberty Documented - Washington Post writer demonstrates it's a "zero sum" game: Winning homosexual 'rights' means Christians must lose freedom of religion.
