CALIFORNIA: Catholic School Fires Gay Man After His Wedding Makes News

A Catholic high school in San Bernadino has fired a teacher after his same-sex wedding was covered by the local news.

School administrators declined to discuss the firing on camera. But they did issue a statement that read, in part, “We respect and protect privacy interests and, to be respectful of those involved, the school does not comment on confidential matters. St. Lucy’s wishes to reassure all in our community that upholding its mission to educate students in the tradition of the Catholic faith is of paramount importance.” [Ken] Bencomo, 45, had been a teacher at St. Lucy’s for 17 years. He was head of the English department and he coached the dance squad. His attorney says the school knew Bencomo was gay and continued to renew his contract every year — until he got married.

At this writing over 5000 people have signed a petition which demands that Bencomo be reinstated.