Jim Andris, Facebook

SUPREME COURT RULING

On Monday, October 3, the United States Supreme Court accepted the ruling of the Washington Supreme Court that homosexuality, in itself, is immoral, whether or not it is practiced. The following statement is a response to that ruling, prepared for interviews which Channel 5 conducted on October 4, with the MLSC staff, and which you may have seen on television.

Immorality is an historically variant concept. Ideas about what is immoral have changed through history, often very quickly. These ideas are, however, usually based on concrete actions, rather than thought, the latter being a Christian concept. 8y upholding the ruling of the Washington State Supreme Court, the United States Supreme Court has, in effect, ruled that thinking itself may be immoral, and as such, sufficient reason for being fired.

Not so long ago, a divorced person was considered immoral and not allowed to teach in public schools. In many areas, being Black or Jewish was sufficient, reason for denying someone a teaching position. Again, this was based not on any action, but on a state of being. If these prejudiced practices were continued today, the outcry would be strong. But the principle behind them is the same as that behind the firing of homosexuals for "immorality.”

It all gay people were immediately dismissed from teaching positions, many schools would have to close down, for there are many gay people in that profession. They have not attacked any children, they have not made their students gay, they have not been open about their affectional preference. They have been teachers. Are they now to go on welfare and become subject to charges of laziness because they do not have jobs? Does this country need 20 million more people on welfare? Today, gays are being kicked out of the teaching profession. What will be next? Law, medicine, civil service...?