Sexual orientation as a protected characteristic in religious schools

[Anonymous]

Reading over the parent handbook for a (secular) school to which DC was accepted, I was glad to see that sexual orientation is listed alongside race, gender, national origin, etc in regards to non-discrimination and anti-bullying policy. I was wondering if religious schools usually have that spelled out as well, whether it varies by school or denomination, or if they normally make no mention of it.

[Anonymous]

Judging from recent publicized events in Catholic schools, it's fine as long as employee stays in the closet. Just don't say publicly that you have a life partner or - God forbid! - get married!

[Anonymous]

OP here. I was referring to the policies regarding discrimination/bullying against students. Unfortunately, employment discrimination based on sexual orientation is still legal in many states.

[Anonymous]

If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Because it is not "against the lifestyle" in many churches, particularly those in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC and Maryland, both of which have plenty of out ordained clergy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Because it is not "against the lifestyle" in many churches, particularly those in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC and Maryland, both of which have plenty of out ordained clergy.

Most churches aren't like this in fact the the majority of the Episcopal church doesn't agree with the above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

My child is 3, so their sexual orientation is not apparent yet. I didn't say I was interested in enrolling in religious schools (I'm not), just that I'm curious as to what their policy is compared to secular schools. Does that warrant a "WTF"?

[Anonymous]

Wrong. It's universal now in the Episcopal church and clergy who object have been ordered to marry same-sex couples:

"Episcopal Church of the United States"
The Episcopal Church (1,549 008 communicant members and 2,009,084 baptised members)at their 2009 General Convention declared that: “bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same- gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church." On July 9, 2012, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution approving an official liturgy for blessing same-sex unions. This liturgy, called “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant” will enable priests to bestow the church’s blessing on gay couples even if they live in a state where same-sex marriage is illegal; however, bishops who do not approve of the liturgy can prohibit their priests from using it. The resolution is provisional and will be reviewed in three years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Because it is not "against the lifestyle" in many churches, particularly those in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC and Maryland, both of which have plenty of out ordained clergy.

Never understood the "lifestyle" thing. Is there a "gay lifestyle" that I should know about? How is the lifestyle of a gay millionaire anything like the lifestyle of a gay single mom on welfare?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Because it is not "against the lifestyle" in many churches, particularly those in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC and Maryland, both of which have plenty of out ordained clergy.

Never understood the "lifestyle" thing. Is there a "gay lifestyle" that I should know about? How is the lifestyle of a gay millionaire anything like the lifestyle of a gay single mom on welfare?

Yes, "lifestyle" is such an outdated word. You might as well wear a Members Only jacket as use that word.

[Anonymous]

So, any information from people with DCs in religious schools about the OP's question?

[Anonymous]

It would depend entirely on the religion. Catholic schools, Muslim schools and most conservative evangelical schools will not make sexual orientation a protected trait.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Sexual orientation isn't a lifestyle, and young adults don't participate in any stereotypical "lifestyle" that you anachronistically associate with LGBT people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child is gay why in the world would you want them to attend a school that is completely against their lifestyle? Honestly, WTF?

Meant to write:

Sexual orientation isn't a lifestyle, and children and young adults don't participate in any stereotypical "lifestyle" that you anachronistically associate with LGBT people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reading over the parent handbook for a (secular) school to which DC was accepted, I was glad to see that sexual orientation is listed alongside race, gender, national origin, etc in regards to non-discrimination and anti-bullying policy. I was wondering if religious schools usually have that spelled out as well, whether it varies by school or denomination, or if they normally make no mention of it.

Seriously?Does it really ask that? Call me old school but at 48 to me that is just wrong in every way and frankly kind of ridiculous too.