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Calif. Court Rules School Can Expel Lesbian Kids

Private body not ruled by discrimination laws

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 28, 2009 8:07 AM CST

(Newser) – A California court has ruled that a private school's expulsion of two girls for "conducting themselves in a manner consistent with being lesbians" was lawful, the Los Angeles Times reports. The court decided the religious school did not count as a business and was therefore exempt from discrimination laws. A lawyer for the girls—who deny they confessed their sexual orientation to the school's principal—said he plans to appeal the "very troubling" ruling.

"It is almost like it could roll back 20 to 30 years of progress we have made in this area," said the attorney. "Basically, this decision gives private schools the license to discriminate."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

A California appeals court has ruled that a private religious school did not violate discrimination laws by expelling two students it believed were lesbians. (©Alex Steffler)

The court decided that the Lutheran school was not a business and was therefore not covered by laws that prohibit discrimination in businesses open to the public. (Shutter Stock)

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The school's religious message is inextricably intertwined with its secular functions.
- Justice Betty A. Richli of California's 4th District Court of Appeal

It is almost like it could roll back 20 to 30 years of progress we have made in this area. Basically, this decision gives private schools the license to discriminate. - Kirk D. Hanson, attorney for the two expelled schoolgirls

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

Guest

Oct 15, 2009 10:51 PM CDT

Actually, that is the best thing that could happen to those kids. Why anyone would want their child in a school that instead of feeding their brain, washes it, is beyond me. These girls are lucky to be out of there.

Guest

May 2, 2009 6:28 AM CDT

I find it disturbing that in addition to being completely discriminatory and homophobic, you above narrow minded dolts, including the school teacher above, can not spell or use proper grammar. Perhaps the schools should focus on education in basic areas, such as literacy, before concerning themselves with the private lives of their pupils.

Shannonals

Feb 2, 2009 2:52 AM CST

This article doesn't reveal anything new. Private schools make their own rules, always have

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California • high school • lesbians • discrimination • homosexuality • expel • Lesbian • homosexual

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Calif. Court Rules School Can Expel Lesbian Kids