Court Ruling Favors Christians over Gay Agenda: KY

Years after the mayor of Lexington, Kentucky was critical of a Christian printer, and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission ruled the business pay damages, yesterday the Fayette Circuit Court ruled otherwise saying that Blaine Adamson and his company, Hands on Originals (HOO), have a constitutional right to refuse to print "gay pride" T-shirts that violate Christian beliefs.

“[HOO owners] are Christians who believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and that they should strive to live consistently with its teachings.  It is clear beyond dispute that HOO and its owners declined to print the t-shirts in question because of the MESSAGE advocating sexual activity outside of a marriage between one man and one woman. . . . The well established Constitutional rights of HOO and its owners on this issue is well settled.”
-- Judge James D. Ishmael

For background, read Kentucky Says Gays are a Protected Class, but Christians Aren't

Also read the increasing number of court rulings countering the Gay Agenda.



-- From "Kentucky T-shirt printer that wouldn’t make gay pride shirts vindicated by court" by Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post 4/28/15

[Judge] Ishmael made a distinction between a company choosing not to print a T-shirt because of the sexual orientation of a potential customer and choosing not to print a T-shirt because of its message.

The court noted that HOO had also turned down orders for “a strip club, pens promoting a sexually explicit video, and shirts containing a violence related message” — in other words, shirts that it did not agree with that had nothing to do with homosexuality.

The court also found that HOO was “entitled to assert claims” under a Kentucky statute that’s been compared to Indiana’s controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act. “Government shall not substantially burden a person’s freedom of religion,” the statute reads.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Kentucky Court Says Printing Business Has Right to Deny Service for Religious Reasons" by Kelsey Harkness, Daily Signal 4/27/15

“With all due respect to the Hearing Commissioner and the Human Rights Commission [the plaintiffs arguments] are not factually accurate and are in direct contrast to well established precedent from the United States Supreme Court interpreting the Federal Constitution,” wrote Judge James Ishmael.

“What this court found in this case is that no one should be forced to promote ideas—or in this case, print ideas—that conflict with their beliefs,” said Jim Campbell, an attorney for Alliance Defending Freedom representing the printing business. “That protection is for everyone. It’s a protection that’s for the atheist just as much as it’s for the person of faith.”

The Lexington-Fayette County government has a non-discrimination ordinance, which generally prohibits a public place from discriminating against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The state of Kentucky has not adopted the policy.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fayette Circuit Court judge reverses finding in Hands On Originals discrimination case" by Cheryl Truman, Lexington Herald-Leader 4/27/15

Martin Cothran, spokesman for The Family Foundation of Kentucky, hailed the ruling Monday in a statement: "We are pleased to see some courts are still acknowledging the First Amendment's right to religious freedom. And that the 'PC police' are not quite powerful enough to convince courts that it doesn't exist."

Ray Sexton, executive director of the Lexington Human Rights Commission, said an appeal was likely. He said the commission's board would consider its next step at a meeting Monday evening.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

How do homosexualists retaliate against those who resist the Gay Agenda?  They threaten financial ruin of businesses, and they intimidate Christian lawmakers, and they sue Christians who won't celebrate "gay weddings," and they threaten to jail pastors who won't perform "gay weddings," and they torpedo fundraising aimed at helping the Christian victims, and they commit violence, even threatening death of Christians.

Fla. Judgement-free Health Club Boots Pro-life Man

When Michael Amoroso, 70, wore attire from his collection of pro-life T-shirts into Planet Fitness in Orange City, Florida — Home of the Judgement Free Zone® — he was told to leave because his shirt reading “pray to end abortion” was offensive.

UPDATE 3/9/15: Michigan Planet Fitness Club Boots REAL Woman, Favors Transgender

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Google Bans Pro-life Ads, as Abortionists Demand

Shoppers' Prayers Forbidden at Georgia Mall

Connecticut School Censors 'Controversial' Pro-life Kids

California School Bans Books by Christian Authors

Bible Banned from 'Higher Education' Across America

Also read myriad examples of Christian T-shirt censorship in the land of the free.



-- From "Man told to change or leave Planet Fitness after wearing anti-abortion shirts" posted at WFTV-TV9 (Orlando, FL) 11/17/14

. . . for Amoroso, it's about freedom of speech. He said he has nothing against women who chose abortion, but one day would like to see an end to abortions. He added that he's upset the shirts offended someone, but said at least it's starting a conversation about the topic.

"This doesn't deter you even though people are offended from wearing these?" asked [reporter Shannon] Butler.

"No, I might wear them more," said Amoroso.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planet Fitness Kicks Out Man From Gym Twice for Wearing 'Offensive' Pro-Life T-Shirt" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 11/18/14

Planet Fitness is disclaiming any responsibility — saying its gyms are independently owned and operated.

Bryan Kemper, a pro-life activist with Stand True who is known for his extensive collection of pro-life t-shirts, talked with Amoroso.

“. . . Planet Fitness wants people to think they are a 'judgement free zone' while casting judgement on Michael for a pro-life t-shirt,” Kemper continued. “Michael’s shirt read, 'abortion kills a person' and he thought that if he wore a less abrasive shirt that maybe they would not cast judgement on him. He was wrong. Michael came back the next day wearing a shirt that read, 'pray to end abortion' and he was approached again and asked to leave.”

“. . . Michael is not yelling at people or trying to start debates in the gym, he simply works out and practices free speech with a t-shirt,” Kemper added.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Atheists, Liberals Lament Recent Supreme Court Religious Liberty Rulings

Virginity Advocacy Banned at Arkansas School

When 13-year-old Chloe Rubiano arrived at Ramay Junior High in Fayetteville, Arkansas she was pulled from class and told by administrators to change clothes because the words "Virginity Rocks" on her T-shirt might evoke religious discussions at her school where condoms are routinely distributed.

"Even positive messages can be disruptive and our schools must be fair and consistent in dealing with all our students."
-- Paul Hewitt, Fayetteville School District Superintendent

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Missouri School Bans T-shirt with Bible Terminology

California School Loses Lawsuit Banning Pro-life T-shirt

Minnesota School Forced to Allow Pro-life T-shirts

Colorado School OKs Same-sex Marriage T-shirt

Federal Judge Overrules Ohio School's Ban on Homosexual Advocacy T-shirt



-- From "Teen told to change out of 'Virginity Rocks' T-shirt" by Sarah LeTrent, CNN 9/17/14

Eighth-grader Chloe Rubiano of Ramay Junior High said she got the tee at a Christian festival last year; on the back, it continues its abstinence message: "I'm loving my Husband and I haven't even Married Him."

After the incident, Rubiano's mother, Bambi Crozier, took to Facebook to write a lengthy post defending her daughter's wardrobe choice, stating she has always encouraged her children to stand up for what they believe in.

As for concerns over free speech, [Supt.] Hewitt said Rubiano's message has come through loud and clear.

"Just the attention this incident has been given has certainly given the student and her mother the attention they sought. This is not a major free speech issue," according to Hewitt.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fayetteville Student Required To Change Out Of 'Virginity Rocks' T-Shirt" by Dillon Thomas, KFSM-TV5 (Fort Smith, AR) 9/12/14

Rubiano told 5NEWS she got the shirt at a Christian-based festival.

“I just really like the shirt because I was always raised that way,” Rubiano said. “I didn’t really think anyone would make a big deal out of it.”

Rubiano said her vice principal told her that the shirt could distract the classroom environment, with the possibility that it “opens up too many doors for conversations.”

Rubiano said she will still wear the “Virginity Rocks” T- shirt in public.

However, she said she has decided to not wear it at school again.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Public School: Girl Can't Wear T-Shirt That Promotes Virginity" by Zoey DiMauro, CNSNews.com 9/22/14

[Rubiano's mother, Bambi Crozier] added that she has never spoken to [Supt.] Hewitt, and denied his accusation that she and her daughter sought out the media spotlight.

Crozier also says that she and her daughter did not reach out to the news media after the incident.

“When my daughter made me aware of the situation, I made a simple remark on my Facebook [page] to all my friends,” she explained. “The next thing I know, I have a friend that called me at work telling me she shared my story with her reporter friend and he would be calling me. I didn't care if they wanted to run a story about it.”

“No distraction was caused when the Vice Principal requested Chloe remove it.  She was instructed to remove it for FEAR of starting conversations,” Crozier said. “Chloe told me no student said anything about the shirt last week until she was pulled from class to change it. THEN there was plenty of distraction because all the students wanted to know WHY Chloe had to change it.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Virginity Rocks" by Karen Farris, Christian Post 9/18/14

This same school openly discusses all aspects of sex in their health classes and distributes condoms to those seeking to have “safer” sex. Yet, Chloe Rubiano cannot wear a shirt proclaiming her views on premarital sex. In Chloe’s opinion, virginity isn’t offensive; it’s totally appropriate. . . .

Students are continually asked to be tolerant of gender identity and sexual choices. In health classes across America, young students are provided comprehensive sex education. But isn’t it interesting how the idea of virginity is just a bit too much of a distraction? The one thing students need to hear is that more than half of all high school students are delaying sexual activity—so Chloe isn’t alone in believing that Virginity Rocks.

To read the entire opinion column article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Most Teens Want to be Virgins at Marriage

And read Abstinence Education Effective, Fed Study Shows and another study shows Abstinent Teens the Norm, Moral Sex-Ed Works, but nonetheless, President Obama Wants an End to Abstinence Education, Favoring Anal Sex

Ohio School Bans 'Jesus Homophobe' T-shirt, Gays Sue

Maverick Couch, a 16-year-old "gay student" at Waynesville High School, wanted to wear a T-shirt promoting homosexual behavior on the Day of Silence (a nationwide celebration of deviant sexuality), but after seeing it, the school administration deemed the T-shirt to be sexually inappropriate, so homosexual activists have sued the school.


UPDATE 5/22/12: Federal judge rules gay student can wear T-shirt; School must pay $20,000

-- From "Gay student sues Ohio school over right to wear T-shirt" by Lisa Cornwell, Associated Press 4/4/12

Couch, a junior at the southwestern Ohio high school, has been threatened by school officials with suspension if he wears the shirt, which bears the message “Jesus is not a homophobe,” the lawsuit says. Officials at the public school told him the shirt is “sexual in nature” and is inappropriate there, it says.

Couch said yesterday that he wants to wear the shirt at school on April 20 to show support for the Day of Silence, an annual event held nationally for students to draw attention to the silencing of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students through bullying and harassment.

Couch said yesterday that he wore the shirt, which also bears the image of a rainbow-colored fish similar to a religious symbol used by Christians, last April and was told by the principal to turn it inside out. He said he complied but was told when he tried to wear it again that he would be suspended.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Maverick Couch, Gay High School Student, Sues School Over Ban Of His 'Jesus Is Not A Homophobe' T-Shirt" by Lila Shapiro, Huffington Post 4/4/12

Couch has been arguing with Waynesville High School since last April, when principal Randy Gebhardt first told Couch to turn his shirt inside out. Couch was observing Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network's National Day of Silence . . .

Lambda Legal, a national organization advocating for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people, filed suit on Tuesday against Gebhardt and Waynesville school district on Couch's behalf. Lambda also filed a motion asking for temporary restraining order so that Couch could wear the shirt on an upcoming National Day of Silence.

On April 20, 2011, Couch was first summoned to Gebhardt's office in the middle of fifth period. At his school, which lacks any organization devoted to the gay community, he is one of few openly gay students. So, he alone was marking the day, wearing the T-shirt and a "No Hate" message written on his cheek in marker. He carried a white board so he could write messages (in lieu of talking) to communicate with teachers and classmates.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Kentucky: Gays Protected Class, Christians Aren't

When a Christian business declined to fill a print order for T-shirts with a pro-homosexual message, and the customer complained, the government official agreed that the printer violated an anti-discrimination law, but when asked, the official said that a printer CAN lawfully decline to print messages that homosexual behavior is sinful.

Lexington Mayor Jim Gray suggested the Christians should get over it. “People don’t have patience for this sort of attitude today.”

For background, read Homosexuals Sue Illinois Christians over Their Faith and also read Christian Won't Bake Cake for Lesbian 'Wedding' as well as Christian Photographer Sued by Lesbians

UPDATE 11/27/12: Kentucky Human Rights Commission rules Christian business to pay damages

UPDATE 4/28/15: Court Ruling Favors Christians, Overturns Human Rights Commission

-- From "Gay and lesbian group files complaint over T-shirt order" by The Associated Press 3/28/12

A gay and lesbian group in Lexington, Ky., has filed a discrimination complaint against [Hands On Originals] a T-shirt printer after the company refused to honor a bid to produce apparel for an event.

The Gay and Lesbian Services Organization [GLSO] filed the complaint Monday with the city's Human Rights Commission.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission says it will investigate the complaint. Executive Director Raymond Sexton said Hands On Originals is subject to the city's human rights ordinance because it deals in goods and services to the public.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Hands On Originals T-shirt company accused of discrimination" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 3/26/12

[Aaron Baker, president of homosexual organization GLSO,] said Hands On Originals co-owner Blaine Adamson told the GLSO in a follow-up call that the company was declining the order "because we're a Christian organization" but had found another company that would honor its price [but GLSO declined to place the order].

Hands On Originals declined to discuss its decision and instead issued the following statement to the Herald-Leader:

"Hands On Originals both employs and conducts business with people of all genders, races, religions, sexual preferences and national origins," said an owner of the company, Blaine Adamson. "However, due to the promotional nature of our products, it is the prerogative of the company to refuse any order that would endorse positions that conflict with the convictions of the ownership."

"Religious exemption is a valid defense under the local ordinance, but it's typically reserved for churches," Sexton said. "If you're Hands On Originals, you're a business, not a religious organization. You're into T-shirts."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Gay Rights Group Files Human Rights Complaint Against T-Shirt Company" by Todd Starnes, FOX News 4/2/12

The privately owned company is now accused of violating Lexington’s Fairness Act – which protects people and organizations from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The attacks are out of line, said Jim Campbell, an attorney with Alliance Defense Fund, the organization representing “Hands On Originals.”

“No business owner should be forced to violate his conscience simply because someone demands it,” he said. “The Constitution absolutely supports the rights of business owners to decline a request to support a message that conflicts with their deeply held convictions.”

Raymond Sexton, the executive director of the Human Rights Commission told Fox News that “Hands On Originals” will be “required by law to participate in the investigation.”

“We have subpoena power and have the backing of the law,” he said. “We are a law enforcement agency and people have to comply.”

“Over the past 20 years, we have declined to produce several other products with different messages than the one at issue here because we disapproved of whatever message it was, and it never had anything to do with discrimination,” [Adamson] wrote. “People reading this may disagree with my view on the current issue, but I hope they will join us in supporting our right to decline an order that promotes a view so contrary to our personal beliefs.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Protest of Hands On Originals draws about 60" by Scott Sloan, Lexington Herald-Leader 4/1/12

The controversy led to stern comments from Lexington Mayor Jim Gray on Wednesday against the company's refusal, as well as a decision by the Fayette County Public Schools to hold off on new orders from Hands On Originals until the complaint is resolved. The school system has no pending orders with Hands On Originals.

The issue has created raucous public debate on talk radio stations and also led to Facebook groups both supporting Hands On Originals' actions and another urging a boycott. Both groups had more than 2,000 members each by Friday afternoon.

As of early afternoon, Friday's demonstration had not yet had any visits from people with opposing views.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "T-shirt company in crosshairs for saying no to homofest" by Jack Minor, World Net Daily 3/31/12

[Hands On Originals], which prominently says on its home page it is “Christian Outfitters,” and states a “right of refusal,” sells and produces a variety of custom products including clothing, coffee mugs, memory sticks and other items.

Sexton told WND that the investigation was still ongoing, however if the company based its decision on sexual orientation it would be violating the law.

He went on to say that if a “gay” printing company was asked to print T-shirts from the Westboro Baptist Church, which is a militant anti-”gay” organization, saying “Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God,” the “gay” group would have the right to refuse to print the order.

“If the company does not approve of the message that is a valid non-discriminatory reason to refuse the work,” he said.

He also said a black business owner would have the right to refuse to print a flyer for a Klan rally.

However, when asked if the same would apply to Hands On Online if officials said “we don’t support ‘gay’ pride festivals, but we won’t discriminate against a person because they are ‘gay,’” Sexton was not as committed, simply saying “possibly.”

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.

Bible Terminology Banned at Missouri School

A middle school student was booted from class for a Christian T-shirt printed with "Jesus" and "Hell," yet every year, schools across America allow, and even encourage, homosexualists to promote deviant sexual behavior on "The Day of Silence."


-- From "Student removed from class over T-shirt" by Elizabethe Holland, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 3/18/11

A North Kirkwood Middle School student was pulled out of class and sent to the guidance office Wednesday for wearing a T-shirt the school deemed offensive and against school policy.

Michelle Ramirez wore a T-shirt with the words, "Jesus, He scares the hell out of you."

Kirkwood School District spokeswoman Ginger Fletcher said Thursday that the word "hell" was viewed as a profanity. Fletcher said that when students come to school in such clothing, they are asked to turn the clothing inside out, cover it with a sweatshirt or change into different clothing.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Student pulled from class over religious t-shirt" by CNN 3/17/11

Principal Ginger Fletcher says, "Outside the school environment, it might be fine. But, anything within the school that is inappropriate, vulgar use of language might create a disruption in the school, we'll ask the student to modify the garment."

I got on the phone with Michelle, I told Michelle, ‘If you feel convicted to wear the shirt, you go ahead and put it back on'" said Michelle's Mom, Christina.

Michelle did change back and was separated from her classes to do her work elsewhere.

"It's federal law that you cannot ask a student to remove an emblem, insignia, or garment including a religious emblem. So, unless it is worn in an inappropriate manner, or creates a disruption within the school," Christina explained.

Michelle got the shirt from her youth group that specializes in extreme messages to promote their beliefs. She says she has worn the shirt to school about 30 times without a problem.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

School OKs Same-sex Marriage T-shirt

Whereas Christians must battle their schools in court for the constitutional right to wear T-shirts with conservative moral messages, a Colorado school granted an immoral and offensive T-shirt message in a heartbeat.

-- From "'Marriage Is So Gay' T-Shirt Allowed Back In School" by Alan Gathright, ABC-TV7NEWS Content Producer (Denver) 11/16/10

Officials are allowing a Falcon High School student to wear a "Marriage Is So Gay" T-shirt after the American Civil Liberties Union called a principal's ban censorship.

Principal Mark Carara told Senior Kate Cohn to change the T-shirt when she wore it to school on Election Day. He said it was offensive and violated a school dress code banning apparel that is potentially disruptive to the academic environment, the ACLU said in a Tuesday news release.

Later that day, Carara explained to the girl's parents that he told Cohn to change the T-shirt because it was comparable to clothing promoting drug or alcohol use, the ACLU said.

[Then] the district did an about-face, deciding Cohn can wear the gay rights message.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Falcon High allows gay-marriage T-shirt after ACLU heat" By Electa Draper, The Denver Post 11/17/10

"It was determined today the student is entitled to wear it," school district spokeswoman Stephanie Meredith said.

Kate said she asked her principal why he had changed his mind. He told her it was "because lawyers got involved," she said, and that was all he would discuss with her.

The Colorado ACLU sent the letter to school administrators Monday demanding they rescind the prohibition against the shirt by the end of the week or ACLU attorneys would consider the appropriate next steps.

Since 1969, the Supreme Court has held that students don't "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gates."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below for previous articles:

School Loses Lawsuit Against Pro-life Student

MN School Forced to Allow Pro-life T-shirts

Naperville, IL Teen Sues School Over Her Anti-Gay T-Shirt

Judge to Decide Whether School Can Discriminate Against Conservative Message

Fed Judge: Student's T-shirt Slamming ObamaCare OK

School Loses Lawsuit Against Pro-life Student

In a victory for pro-life speech in public school, a federal court entered a judgment Thursday against a California elementary school and three school officials for violating the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights of a 6th grade student who wore a T-shirt opposing abortion.


-- From "Calif. school settles suit with anti-abortion girl" by The Associated Press 8/13/10

A California school district sued by a former sixth-grade student who was asked to remove an anti-abortion T-shirt has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle the suit.

Attorneys for Tiffany Amador said Friday that officials at Merced's McSwain Union Elementary School called the T-shirt disruptive when she wore it in April 2008.

The shirt showed pictures of an apparent fetus and said "ABORTION: growing... growing... gone."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judgment Vindicates Calif. Student Punished for Pro-Life T-Shirt" posted at LifeSiteNews.com 8/13/10

Los Angeles attorney William J. Becker, Jr., of The Becker Law Firm, assisted by the Thomas More Law Center, filed suit after school officials barred Tiffany Amador from wearing her pro-life T-shirt at McSwain Union Elementary School, a kindergarten through 8th grade school located in Merced, north of Fresno.

On April 29, 2008, Amador wore a shirt sponsored by the American Life League, which annually sponsors a National Pro-Life T-shirt Week. The shirt, which was given to her by her church, prominently featured the word “ABORTION” over a series of panels, two of which depicted endoscopic pictures of a baby developing in the womb and the third filled in with black. The caption read, “growing…growing…gone.” Amador testified in the case that she wore the shirt to school because she wanted other students to known that “abortion is wrong.”

The school claimed the images of the baby were “disruptive” to the school environment because of their “graphic nature” - but Amador's lawyers say the school could not explain what made them so graphic that they would have caused a substantial disruption. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that only a substantial disruption would merit censure by a public school.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Fed Judge: Student's T-shirt Slamming ObamaCare OK

Christian middle-school student who sued his school will be allowed to wear pro-life T-shirts

-- From "Middle-school student may wear pro-life t-shirt" by staff and wire reports, Lancaster Newspapers 10/21/09

A federal judge has ruled that a Lewisberry middle-schooler may wear a pro-life t-shirt carrying the message "Abortion is not Healthcare."

Randall Wenger, chief counsel of the Independence Law Center, which defended the student, announced the ruling today.

The West Shore School District had prohibited the student, identified in court records only as E.B., from wearing the t-shirt because administrators feared it might offend other students. They ordered him to wear the shirt inside out.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Court: Boy can wear 'insulting' pro-life shirt" by Chelsea Schilling © 2009 WorldNetDaily 10/21/09

Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed the complaint in federal court against the West Shore School District in Lewisberry, Pa., Oct. 5 on behalf of E.B.

The boy's parents, identified as the Boyers, said they were concerned about the president's speech and the national health-care debate, including reported funding of abortion within proposed legislation.

"[T]he Boyers, like many others, felt that President Obama was bypassing them and speaking directly to their children without their permission," the complaint states. "… Like many others, the Boyers struggled with whether they should send their children to school on that day. E.B. attended school and decided to voice his religious viewpoint as it relates to the issue of abortion."

The boy wore the T-shirt to his classes at Crossroads Middle School and said he received no complaints until his fifth-period teacher ordered him to go to the principal's office to determine whether the shirt was "appropriate."

According to the lawsuit, the school's "draconian censorship of plaintiff's religious and political speech, and the policies on which that censorship was based, violate First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution."

The complaint states that E.B. wishes to wear T-shirts expressing his Christian faith and political views because he "desires to reach out to his peers and to offer them advice, assistance, and education" and to "discuss relevant issues facing students at school, including faith and religion, personal responsibility, sexual abstinence, keeping children in the event of pregnancy, just to name a few."

The West Shore School District agreed to an Oct. 19 order prohibiting school officials from enforcing the controversial policies and temporarily allowing E.B. to wear his T-shirts.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

MN School Forced to Allow Pro-life T-shirts

The Hutchinson School District has settled a lawsuit with the family of a sixth grader over the district's response to anti-abortion T-shirts he wore to school.

-- From "Minn. school district settles T-shirt lawsuit" Associated Press 10/23/08

The district agreed to pay the student $1 damages and $12,500 in legal fees . . .

The settlement allows the student to wear his T-shirts, although the district retained the right to react if the shirts cause substantial disruption in the schools.

The lawsuit claims that during April a middle school principal and several teachers told the student he couldn't wear the shirts, and when he did they made him turn them inside out.

The lawsuit was filed in June by attorneys for the Thomas More Law Center, a Michigan-based Christian legal advocacy group.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

More Fallout from the Day of Silence

From "Students Take a Stand for the Truth" by Jennifer Mesko, posted 5/11/07 at Citizenlink.org

Sophomore Oleg Manzyuk and many of his friends stayed home from San Juan High School on April 18, the Day of Silence. On that day, homosexual students and their supporters wore tape over their mouths in protest.

Two years ago, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) established the Day of Truth — April 19 this year — to express a Christian perspective. Nearly 7,000 students participated in the third-annual Day of Truth.

But Oleg wasn’t in class that day either; he and about a dozen others were suspended by the Citrus Heights, Calif., school for wearing T-shirts with Scripture verses addressing homosexuality. In four California districts, at least 150 students were suspended.

“It was my idea for the shirt,” Oleg said. “Some of the gay students wore shirts (with rainbows and mentions of gay sex), and they were not suspended. That’s just ridiculous. They’re showing their opinion; so can we.”

The girl who wore the gay-sex shirt was suspended three days later.

Trent Allen, director of information for the San Juan Unified School District, said any shirt that creates an “atmosphere of intimidation” is not OK. “Students on both sides of the issue who are wearing shirts that do not continue the conversation in an educational manner” are asked to remove the shirts or turn them inside out.

...Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family Action:

“While we would encourage students to always use compassionate and respectful message on their T-shirts, the sad thing is, these kids shouldn’t be having to deal with homosexual politics in their public schools at all,” she said. “If schools are going to insist on allowing adult agendas to be promoted in their hallways and classes, then the least they can do is give equal access and equal respect to religious students’ point of view.”

Amen.

If public school administrators and teachers accommodate pro-gay activists on the Day of Silence, they must grant the same accommodation to those with a differing opinion. Wisdom would suggest that public schools should not accommodate ANYONE seeking to turn the classroom into a platform for any political agenda, let alone one as divisive as this...