Preschooler Expelled from Boulder, Co., Catholic School Because Parents are a Lesbian Couple

Preschool child of Boulder, Co., lesbian couple expelled from Catholic school due to parents' sexual orientation.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Boulder, Co., has decided not to allow a preschooler to re-enroll because her parents are lesbians and they claim that is a clear violation of the school's beliefs and policies. A protest is being organized for Sunday morning outside the school. According to 9News, protest organizer Beth Osnes, said in an e-mail that they are staging the protest to draw attention to this injustice, especially the impact it will have on a child. She called it institutional prejudice. I wouldn't call it that in the least. This is a private institution and they are entitled to their beliefs, however ridiculous. I am sure there are other private schools that would be more than happy to cater to the needs of this lesbian couple.

This is a very sticky situation. I don't believe the child should be penalized for the actions of her parents, but if the rules are explicitly documented, then this couple knew exactly what the results would be once their sexual orientation was disclosed. Still, I am very cynical about the Roman Catholic church because of all the instances of sexual abuse of children, mainly boys, at the hands of pedophiles perpetrating a major fraud as priests. The Vatican is in damage control mode right now after the revelations that one of Pope Benedict's ceremonial usher, as well as a member of the choir are involved in a gay prostitution ring. I understand the church's decision to stick to its beliefs, one can make the argument that sexual orientation or ethnic background for that matter, really shouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but in reality, it does.

In a statement sent to 9NEWS, the Archdiocese said, "Homosexual couples living together as a couple are in disaccord with Catholic teaching." According to the Archdiocese, parents who enroll their kids at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School are expected to follow the Catholic Church's beliefs. So, I am guessing from their statement that the child of a divorced Catholic should also be denied the right to enroll in the school since divorce isn't a part of their core beliefs. The same thing holds true for a woman who uses birth control. I am guessing her son or daughter wouldn't be allowed to enroll, using the same logic. I know that the Archdiocese is within its rights to act as such, but that doesn't make it right. If the parents knowingly deceived the school on the admission application, then they got what they deserved.