"Gay Catholic School Teacher Fired for Wedding Plans," Carson Wright, 5th Period

Michael Griffin, a gay teacher at a Pennsylvania Catholic school, was fired after applying for a marriage license to get married to his long-time civil union partner. Griffin had been teaching French and Italian at the school for 12 years, and said that administrators, including the principal, had known of his orientation and made no conflict of it. Holy Ghost Preparatory School President Father James McCloskey said to Griffin, "'if you go through with that I have no other choice but to fire you.'" This statement was made after Griffin emailed school administrators to inform them that he'd be late one day, as he would be getting his marriage vows. Apparently, the decision to fire Griffin was based on his violation of the terms of his contract by marrying someone of the same sex. Griffin, who was raised Catholic, said he loved teaching at the school. He said, "there's so much in it that I agree with... We talk about brotherhood with all of these people. ... I feel like my parents disowned me but my brothers still stand by me."

This article seems to be written from a progressive point of view, containing undertones of disappointment at Griffin's firing and, presumably, similar situation all across the nation. While I am a progressive, and right mighty one at that, I must begrudgingly give this one to the Catholic organization. It is a system built on the personal beliefs of a group of people, and thus, such stuff is open to occur. I've heard it said that the Catholic church in and of itself is sexist for never in its existence having a female leader, but I would have to disagree with this, seeing as that all Catholic women are involved in the church of their own accord. Now, if the Catholic church attempted to force their patriarchal views on others--which, unfortunately, happens nauseatingly often--then they would, indeed, be sexist. Seeing as Griffin was working for a Catholic organization under Catholic employment, I find it a little odd that he never did consider the official stance of the church against him. Still, if all these administrators knew of his sexual orientation, they should have informed him of all possible consequences as early as possible. Hopefully there will come a day when one's orientation does not effect their employment, be they a secular or religious employee (the former is certain; the latter is wishful).

Article: http://news.yahoo.com/gay-catholic-school-teacher-fired-wedding-plans-205048165--abc-news-topstories.html