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WTHR
Diana Medley, a special-education teacher at a different school, said Sunday, Feb. 10, that allowing gay and lesbian students to attend the prom at Sullivan High School is "offensive to us."
Students and the principal at an Indiana high school are disavowing a campaign by parents to organize a "gay-free" prom.
Even the pastor of the church that hosted the original organizing meeting says the church doesn't back the effort to throw a straights-only prom for students at Sullivan High School in Sullivan, Ind., south of Terre Haute.
The movement began after Principal David Springer was asked to clarify whether same-sex couples would be allowed to take part in the traditional grand march before the prom, which is scheduled for April 27.
"Anybody can go to the prom," Springer told NBC station WTHR of Indianapolis. "Of course, a girl could go out with another girl if they didn't have a date or that was their choice."
One of those attending the small gathering of parents Sunday night at Sullivan First Christian Church was Diana Medley, a special-education teacher at another school, North Central Junior/Senior High School, in nearby Farmersburg.
Allowing gay and lesbian students to attend the prom is "offensive to us," said Medley, who told NBC station WTWO of Terre Haute that even though she doesn't agree with them, she does care for "homosexual students" who come to her with their problems.
Then, Medley created a firestorm of criticism by equating gay and lesbian teenagers to students with developmental disabilities.
"It's the same thing with my special-needs kids," she said. "I think God puts everyone in our lives for a reason."
Asked whether gays and lesbians have any "purpose in life," she replied:
"No, I honestly don't. Sorry, but I don't. I don't understand it."
Commentators from across the country weighed in to criticize Medley, including syndicated columnist Dan Savage, who publicized a petition to have Medley fired.
Dale Wise, senior minister at Sullivan First Christian Church, was quick to distance himself from the sentiment.
"Our church has no involvement in this whatsoever. It's a community thing where people have met here," he told WTWO.
Jim Davis of Sullivan declared that "we shouldn't be condemning people, and that's what judgment is."
"Christ came to save the people, not to condemn them," he told WTWO. "Love them as a person. You don't have to love what they do, because the gays may not love all the mistakes you make."
Emily Butler, a junior at Sullivan High, said: "You should be able to go with whoever you want. You shouldn't be discriminated against for what you are, what you believe in."
Even Wyatt Land, a Sullivan student who said it was important to remember that "the Bible says for a man to love another woman," told WTHR that he thought gay and lesbian classmates should be welcome at the official prom.
"As long as they aren't sitting there and kissing on the dance floor and grinding on each other, stuff like that, I don't have a problem with that," he said. "I don't see what's wrong with it. Prom is for everybody. It's a high school experience."
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I personally do not care if someone is gay or not.
I do however, have to give her credit for standing up for her beliefs. Especially, when the "church" backed it (let them have their meetings there) and then when there was controversy backed away from it. Must be afraid of the donation box next Sunday. If you believe in something that you practice or preach then sometimes you have to put your feet to the fire or your nothing but a coward and hypocrite.
I also give credit to the students that will not tolerate this oppression.
Now, I am sure some people will not like my comment but hey, everyone of us have a conviction we stand for that someone else does not agree with. This is America and people are free to state their opinions and her opinion is something that even the Presidential candidates choose to avoid because of the vote and the way people are divided over it.
This woman is a moron. In one breath she says that everyone is put here for a reason and to teach us something. In the next breath she says homosexuals don't have any purpose. Which is it lady???
If God let's dumb people like this into heaven I am boycotting heaven.
well you should pray for her then
Cat she means the same sex together can not procreate. So what is the purpose of being gay? If everyone was gay there would be no more anyone. If it is to raise children without homes then together as parents they could be subjecting the child whom watches the parent or parents to being the same way. Not having the opportunity to be non gay as it was meant to be. That is how the world of humans was started. Between a man and a woman. If it wasn't that way we wouldn't be here talking about this. There would be no humans. Nada zip zilch. Surely 2 men didn't create a baby nor 2 woman so the purpose of 2 of the same sex to her and many others whom do not understand W T Heck it is is no purpose. There would be no children to adopt or foster. Nor would their be any thought. We would just not be. Period. That is what she means.
One last time, when you're looking GOD in the eye and he's saying I told you 'man shall not lie down with man' will you say I never heard that, or well it just didn't seem right for me, or I didn't fell like letting that rule my life, you know what he's going to say...it's okay, you did your best???? I don't think so. There will be a judgement day, which side will you be on?
and when he brings up lying and hatred and coveting..you gonna stand back and say you never committed those either? I was always taught the one sin that wont be forgiven is rejecting him(not accepting Christ as your savior) Nowhere in the bible does it say that any other sin excludes you from accepting Christ as your savior..and be glad about that..if that were so..there would be no one eligible.
Got news for you, there is no God. Science has more than proven the universe created itself, there never was a supreme being. As Jessie Ventura is credited for basically saying, "Religion is a crutch for weak minded people."
I don't really understand this comment. I was under the impression that sin is sin, equally, and no one sin is worse than another. I happened to run across this list of things that are considered sins, and it appears to me that she, by casting judgement on one of gods children is also sinning. As are you. So, homosexuality is MORE of a sin?
I guess this is where logic and religion start to have a rift huh?
http://www.wogim.org/sinlist.htm
Just so you have the reference
Logic and religion do not "have a rift" as you say. All sin is sin, the only unforgivable sin is rejecting Christ. If one is living a homosexual lifestyle then they have not repented and they have not accepted Christ as their Lord. The Bible says you will know Christians by their fruit. When one is saved, Jesus comes into their lives and he changes them. If you are a follower of Christ, you could not continue on in a homosexual lifestyle, the continual sin would be a stumbling block in your walk with God. The beautiful thing about Christ is, if you ask forgivness and you ask him to change your life, he does. I believe homosexuality is a sin and I believe people who practice that lifestyle and who do not repent are going to hell. It's not because of their homosexuality - it is because of their sin. Anybody who does not repent and ask for God's forgivness is going to go to hell, The Bible is very clear about that. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life no man comes unto the father but by me".
You just went on and on about accepting CHRIST, yet he never spoke on the subject of homosexuality himself. In fact, didn't he talk about not judging and all that?
Homophobia, a word invented in 1969 probably from a gay....and it's bogus using the word fear, the only fear that I see straight people have, is the danger of catching a disease from lesbians and gays such as aids....it's a moral issue that has nothing to do with fear, we don't like what you do and we don't want to see it publicly..and we don't want it in our FACES, do you understand?.....and to the few who stated why do we push our straight agenda on gays????...you kind of have it backwards don't you?
Homosexuality is a mental illness...keep it in the closet please...tyvm
BTW ...for those of you who think it is BS about the word ...here is the definition;
Definition of HOMOPHOBIA
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals
— ho·mo·pho·bic adjective
First Known Use of HOMOPHOBIA
1969
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals
—ho·mo·phobe noun
—ho·mo·pho·bic adjective
Not a real word people...just one invented for the gay community...sorry
You want to be a gay or lesbian? fine...just keep it away from me and mine, or you may see how much I fear you!
Hard to believe you can pack so much stupid in one comment.
Use your gun on yourself, please.
I feel bad for the gay people in your family..and trust me..you have some.
Truth hurts doesn't it...... :)
I don't hate you, please get medical help.
you may even have some in your house..right now!..omg...sleep well tonight :) Truth hurts doesn't it =)
As you see it? not at all. I thought your comment was just being inflammatory and your response proves it. You're just being a troll.
Are these the best responses you people can come up with? Looks like you have no defense for your disease. A pity...edited :)
When's the last time you pleasured a woman?
Do you see say the same thing whena man and woman are basically molesting each other in public, in front of everyone?
How can you possibly say that not allowing someone to go toa public event simply because they are gay is not pushing YOUR agenda on someone? Are you being serious?
So "tck-063you would like a "best response". Fine, let's start with the word "homophobia".
" Specifically, the word ''homophobia'' was first coined by psychologist George Weinberg in his book
''Society and the Healthy Homosexual'' in 1972. A possible precursor was ''homoerotophobia'', coined by Dr [[Wainwright Churchill]] in ''Homosexual Behavior Among Males'' in 1967. Rapidly adopted and propogated by gay-normalization / gay-rights activists and advocates (groups and individuals), the term is now a commonly heard term in the discourse on "gay rights". Unlike [[agoraphobia]] and some other [[phobia]]s, homophobia is not a psychiatric term. There is no such thing as ''clinical homophobia'',
as it relates to homosexuality.
So sorry to rain on your ignorance parade but the word was not (as you put it) "Homophobia, a word invented in 1969 probably from a gay....and it's bogus using the word fear".
Secondly, you state "homosexuality is a mental illness" and once again I hate to rain on your ignorance parade, but that too is totally false. From the American Psychological Association:
"Is homosexuality a mental disorder?
"No, lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders. Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality. Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding. Therefore, these mainstream organizations long ago abandoned classifications of homosexuality as a mental disorder."
Now would you like me to continue raining on your ignorance parade, or would you like to actually do some RESEARCH and find out the truth?
With all of the politically correctness going on and every group having hurt feelings no matter what you do....how about just having NO prom. No parties, no dances etc., just stick to basic education and leave social activities to private time.
Got news for Diana Medley, special-education teacher, there is no God. Science has more than proven the universe created itself, there never was a supreme being. That said, you can believe what you want but don't show how uneducated you are with clueless statements like, "I think God puts everyone in our lives for a reason." All you do is make yourself and those you work with look like you are living in a 4th world. As the civilized world is becoming more and more supportive of Gay, Lesbian & Trans Gender people. They are leaving you in the dust while the rest of us move ahead. Might want to find a new job as you are hardly qualified to teach students, not leading by example. Give us a break.
if god truely didnt like gay people then why does he make em ? maybe its what they want u to believe
Diana Medley should mind her own business before others mind it for her.
If they are having a private party, off public land, so what. Why would you want to associate with those that hate you. Besides, from the report, it would seem they would have a tiny prom. It is a non issue, especially with the school holding an official prom for all. Take a breath and either ignore, or laugh, at them.
I don't really understand this comment. I was under the impression that sin is sin, equally, and no one sin is worse than another. I happened to run across this list of things that are considered sins, and it appears to me that she, by casting judgement on one of gods children is also sinning. As are you. So, homosexuality is MORE of a sin?
I guess this is where logic and religion start to have a rift huh?
http://www.wogim.org/sinlist.htm
Just so you have the reference.
Homosexuality is man-made nature as religion is an fabricated mythology.
That blond skank medley obviously isntmgetting any, and has nothing better to do. Typical tea bag bitch
I note that when asked what Gay's purpose in life is, she said "she didn't understand." Interesting that my rights hinge upon her understanding. I think the better question for anyone, including Medley, is "What is YOUR purpose in life?". When we find someone who really knows the answer to that question, let's have that person dictate ethics and morals. That person has the knowledge of God!
Can you please explain to the world the purpose of human anatomy and reproductive physiology?
And why straight people tend to be the one's making the gay people.
As a teacher with 30 years of experience, I politely request readers not to paint all teachers with the same hateful and hurtful brushstrokes Ms. Medley has used on the young people trusted to her care. And to Ms. Medley, I politely request that you go away now before you hurt anyone else.
In spite of the controversy it caused, comments like Diane Medley's permeate our society still. I don't know that we will ever be free of it. It is alive and well in corporate America too, in spite of their acceptable "pillars of behaviors" etc. I was just glad that when I got to go to my junior and senior prom in the mid-1970s I still had a good time, without it being spoiled by also being harassed for being gay. I am sure there are those who accepted me before I accepted it in myself. I am just shocked that here we are in 2013, and there is a younger generation (Medley appears to be in her 30s) that is more tightly wound than anything I grew up with. That in itself is disgraceful to me.
Its not a religious issue. Its about preserving the traditions and culture of our society!
If that is true then yes gay rights are definitely needed..Homosexuality has been noted all throughout mans history..Even Gods and Goddess alike have been worshiped that were specifically FOR the gay community.
Roman generals cherished their gay soldier teams because each fighter would fight to the death for his lover(can straight ppl say the same?)..In a few cases perhaps.
Zavier, It should not be an issue at all, it is a public school! Separate from religion, how is this even an issue? If you believe it is about preserving traditions in our culture then you better start looking beyond the schools, even the Amish are changing. I am sure 20 years ago sex-ed was not in schools and now it is the norm.
Sorry but your way off on this one.
@ Zavier weed:
Just because something is a tradition doesn't make it right.
Slavery was a tradition, do you want to bring that back?
Women not voting was a tradition before 1920, do you want to bring that tradition back as well?
Blacks being segregated, separate but equal, was a tradition.
Non-land owning white people not voting was a tradition.
Burning witches was a tradition.
Do you see how ridiculous your statement about preserving traditions and cultures is?
what a waste of time this endless obsession with discriminating against gay people. frankly it turns people off from religion even. Which is why my church allows gay people. because it's time for a change. and jesus wasn't anti gay people. st paul was because he had to sell the new religion to hardcore jewish extremists. he should have gone more roman as they accepted gay people. gay marriage is coming too. and finally all the hysteria will end. after all your marriage is NOt affected by a gay marriage. if yours fails it because of you or your spouse. this whole thing is like something from the ignorant past. lets exclude blacks and jews, and brown people. blah blah. it's embarrassing for this nation that bigots like this are still around.
Mike Dobey - Not sure what church you go to - but you have no understanding of the Bible what-so-ever. God calls homosexuality a sin. He destroyed two cities because of it. Paul wasn't trying to "sell" anything. He was spreading the news of Christ and his dying on the cross and his redemption of our sins. It is not time for a change in the church - unless you mean going back to the Bible and telling people what God has said. This world is on it's way to hell, people are dying and spending eternity in hell and everlasting punishment. It is far less hateful to tell sinners they are on their way to hell and in need of a saviour than it is to just accept them so you don't hurt their feelings. You seem to lack a basic understanding of who Christ is, what God requires and the whole purpose of the gospel. You should spend less time posting false statements and more time researching and reading the Scripture. Just because someone is morally opposed to homosexuality does not make them a bigot. I don't think we should be hateful to people we don't agree with - but we should be allowed to disagree when something goes against God's word.
Keep believing the myth. You are the kind of people churches love. They can get you to believe in anything.
Hard to believe this is happenning in Indiana !!! I hope this is news, precisely because it's an isolated event :)
People in Indiana are smart, good hearted individuals that live their lives and let everyone else live theirs.
There have been crazy homophobics since the 40's, 50's, 60's, attacking gay people and trying to deprive them from the most basic rights... where are those people now? The majority are probably DEAD, and the others probably realized they were wasting their time. And look at where the Gay Community is at? Perhaps very close to achieve marriage equality !
And this bigot is a special-needs teacher? What a terrible proposition for the parents of special needs children when they have a teacher like this. She needs to be fired or sent to sensitivity training. Another zealot evangelical trying to "change" everyone to fit her small world.
So a person with different morals than yours is called a Bigot? Another Zealot Liberal trying to change everyone to fit her small world. You do know that Gays are less than 3% of the population.
R H, definition bigot:
[ bíggÉ™t ]
Does this not describe this teacher? Do you know that there hasn't been a real count of the gay population because of people like this teacher and you?
Why not organize an all gay prom and ban heterosexuals. Won't that have a bigger affect on the Gay cause of discrediting Christian Beliefs. Just as I thought, Progressives offer no credible alternative to a lifestyle that allows a society to survive.
quit cramming your christian beliefs down everyone's throats
@Spo -Nope, an all gay prom excluding heterosexuals wouldn't/couldn't work for the same reason people can't have a prom banning Hispanics, blacks, handicapped, short people, tall people, those who wear glasses, those that are ugly, those that are pretty...the list can go on and on. And as far as I know gays don't have a "cause of discrediting Christian beliefs." Supposedly the bible teaches that one is to "hate the sin and love the sinner." Also, as many have pointed out on these posts before me, sin is sin, not something set in degrees. Thus the "sin" on homosexuality is no more great than the sin of telling a lie, stealing a cow, or lying.
As to your fear of the survival of society, in your opinion a job made possible only by heterosexuals, well, you're wrong there too. Haven't you been keeping up on your current events? Gays can - gasp! - have babies! They all have "the parts" the rest of us were born with. And what about the people like me, a heterosexual, who opt to not have children? Or can't have children? Or who use birth control so they don't have any more children? Are we "slackers for the society to survive?" So to debunk your "survival of society" remark, survival is just fine whether we have homosexuals in the world or not.
back at you bighogmom: What if it was a private group and require membership based on certain qualifications. Then you can prohibit--is that better for you than saying ban--the type of person that can't attend. Why do you think Gays want to invite themselves into Christian based organizations and surroundings other than to disturb the status quo.
Gee Moanie, I guess you would rather have Gay beliefs crammed in some other orifice than Christian Beliefs, which are not crammed, they have to be studied and accepted first on a Volunteer basis, but if you feel threatened by that then by all means choose your own lifestyle, but try to be less demanding.
@Spo - But this event is in a public school, where nobody should be excluded as long as they can pay the price of a ticket. The only "religious" part of this is that the meeting to decide who could attend was held in a church.
I'm old enough to remember segregated country clubs (I think some still exist) that would only allow certain types, excluding other certain types such as Jews, blacks and women. I'm not so much for gays having the rights of other to attend a prom at a public school - I'm for anyone to be able to attend. There should be no qualifiers.
that medley woman is making a total fool of herself and those like her; let her keep talking so she can show just how stupid she is
We should do what they do in Muslim countries: Lop of their heads. No more problem.
What they have forgotten:
The majority has no more right to silence the individual than the individual, had he/she the power, to silence the majority.
We took a vote. 99% say they don't like you so STAY HOME!!!
So why don't we just have an all CHRISTIAN prom. Who wants those pesky Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists at OUR party? But then the problem arises that the Baptists don't like the Methodists. And the Catholics don't really care for the 7 day Adventists. And of course the LDSs, they don't like anyone. And the Lutherans, don't even talk about them.
DAMN!!! Now nobody's coming to the prom!
I believe majority rules and if the kids want a straight only Prom ...they should have it!
Another alternative is to forgo the official Prom and have a private one by invitation only, that's the way they should handle it...have a good one people I'm out :)
So who should I go with here? "Tcko63" who stated "I believe majority rules and if the kids want a straight only Prom ...they should have it!" And who OBVIOUSLY did not read the whole article since nowhere does it state the MAJORITY of "kids" are in favor of this.
Or should I go with James Madison, The Father of the Constitution, who stated:
“There is no maxim, in my opinion, which is more liable to be misapplied, and which, therefore, more needs elucidation, than the current one, that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong.”
Tough call, but I'll go with James Madison.
Oh. So the majority rules huh? So lets have a whites only prom. So what is the difference from a straits only prom? Who needs all those @!$%#s, spicks, wops, pollocks, kikes, and gooks at the party? You can discriminate against one group but not another? WHAT'S THE GOD DAMNED DIFFERENCE YOU MENTALLY CHALLENGED MORONS!!!! Oh yes, that one I forgot. Let's keep out the morons too.
Rats!p now no ones coming to the party.
Zavier, just read your comment and what society are you speaking of? A narrow minded one, I guess. Homosexuality has been around since the days of Jesus and people should acknowledge that.
No @!$%#! It is not like the Catholic priests are the first to be with young boys, that was the norm at one time! Some people do not know their history.
@Mich - Catholic priests who have sex with young boys are pedophiles not necessarily homosexuals although they can be homosexuals as well. Pedophilia is against the law, homosexuality is not.
@bigdogmom1- I understand that. Most of the priests that entered the church and have molested children are homosexuals, they knew they would never marry or have children because of their "unacceptable" homosexuality. Also back in the time when this was considered to be normal to have sexual relations with young boys it would be considered pedophilia today. Not all of them were willing either and it was not considered a crime then. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, you choose.
Doesn't it upset you that some people can be so backward? This is a person who works with young people and who could impose her bigotry on those students. Somewhere in her family tree there is someone who is gay or there will be someone is gay. And the hypocrisy here is that Mrs. Medley considers herself a "Christian".
why is she a bigot? because she disagrees with that lifestyle your crazy your the bigot you ever hear of freedom speech only bigots tried to take it away like yourselves whether she is wrong or right she is entitled to her opinion stop trying to take it from people.
@jim1234ikju - She is free to believe whatever she wants. I don't believe that makes her a bigot. What makes it scary though, is her thought process, and the fact that b/c she doesn't understand someone, they have "no purpose in life." Is that what kids should be hearing from this woman? She can say and do whatever she wants and I would not hold that against her. However, in a position such as hers, a little education and compassion is needed - especially if you teach special needs kids. When a child grows up hearing things that belittle them, whether direct or indirect, it does something to them. How many times when you were a child did you hear that you were not good enough? That you were a disappointment? That something was wrong with you? That you did not deserve to do what other kids are doing? That you are a defect? IT'S DAMAGING. And if you have kids, or any compassion, you surely could understand that.