Judge blocks Maryland sex-ed program

[sui generis]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/05/06/sex.ed.lawsuit.ap/index.html

GREENBELT, Maryland (AP) -- A federal judge on Thursday blocked a county school system from instituting a health curriculum that includes discussions of homosexuality.

U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams agreed with two groups that sued contending such discussions gave preference of religions that are tolerant of homosexuality over those that reject it.

Williams issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the Montgomery County school system in suburban Washington, D.C., from using the pilot health program in six schools. The program was set to begin Monday.

During the 10-day restraining order, another hearing will be held on whether to extend it, according to the judge's decision. Williams said the curriculum juxtaposes faiths such as Quakers that support full rights for gays and lesbians with groups such as Baptists, who are painted as "intolerant and Biblically misguided."

This is sui's favorite part:

Parents can opt out of the curriculum by signing a form, school system attorney Judith Bresler said while arguing the case. Blocking the curriculum would hurt only the students who agreed to take part, she said.

Erik Stanley, an attorney for the groups that filed suit, said the curriculum excludes the viewpoints of former gays and those who believe that "same-sex attraction can be overcome."

Well by that logic the curriculum also excludes views of former "straights" who believe that heterosexual attraction can be overcome, and of asexual people who believe that all sexual attraction can be overcome.

Where on earth do they get these righteous freaks? I sure hope somebody sues the living shit out of them for medical bills for STD's and teen pregnancies resulting from "abstinence only" sex education.

[Orrex]

1. That's rich.

U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams agreed with two groups that sued contending such discussions gave preference of religions that are tolerant of homosexuality over those that reject it.

By this logic, one could sue the entire country, which gives overwhelming preference to religions that reject homosexuality.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Bullshit Bullshit Bullshit Bullshit

Okay ... let's see here ... homosexuality, indeed, exists. Sorry, religionutz ... that's a fact. God Made Gays. They actually exist.

So .... they argue that discussing a fucking ***FACT**** is against their religion?

Okay, I'll allow that. No discussion of gays.

But what about **my** religion ... the Church Of Stinky The Clown.

**My** religion holds that bushco is evil and anyone who suports him is the AntiStinky. Should I also sue so that his picture has to be removed from all classrooms? He cannot be discussed in schools. There can be no mention of his name.

Do I have a case?

This country is SO fucked .... so VERY fucked.

Activist judges my ass!

[Double T]

3. Religious fundamentalists always have to create a problem...

...where none exists. If an uninformed religious fundamentalist does not want their children to be taught the course that includes homosexuality they can opt out of the course for their children by signing a form. This is the very thing that keeps the cycle of bigotry, ignorance and intolerance for other lifestyles,cultures and beliefs going from generation to generation.

[fishwax]

4. they thrive on this sort of controversy

they say that it's about the children and parent's rights to determine what to teach, etc., but what they really want is to destroy any choices but what they would choose. Just like you said, if they really wanted to control what THEIR kids were taught (or watched, etc.) then they would just opt-out. But they want to control everybody's kids. :grr:

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. "such discussions gave preference of religions that are tolerant"

The suitors might have a point if, in fact, the curriculum was discussing religion. But seeing as how the topic is sex education, and is therefore a scientific discussion, it is totally IRRELEVANT!

Get a fucking clue.

On edit -- Sounds like one of them activist judges, to me.

[MountainLaurel]

6. What's especially troubling

Is that this happened in the most liberal, enlightened place in Maryland.