Protests Mar Opening of Expanded Harvey Milk School

[psychopomp]

New York Times

Protests Mar Opening of Expanded Harvey Milk School
By KATHERINE ZOEPF

For the 75 students who attend the Harvey Milk High School, the first day of classes yesterday included not just the usual confusion over new classrooms and new electives, but also a walk past a crowd of chanting demonstrators.

By 7:30 a.m., about a dozen demonstrators had gathered on the north side of Astor Place in Manhattan, waving signs and Bibles, and protesting what one called "the special school for gays." Across the street, about 250 people demonstrated in support of the school.

The Harvey Milk High School was established in 1985 as an alternative program for gay and lesbian teenagers, and other students suffering from violence or intolerance in New York City public schools. Before this summer, it had generated little controversy.

<snip>

"This is a historical moment, and this school is a blemish on our society," Mr. Israel said. "It's my duty as a Christian to share Jesus' take on all this."

It is my duty as a Christian to remind Mr. Israel what Jesus told the mob about to stone the prostitute to death: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Why can't people just live and let live? Homosexuality is not a learned behavior or a choice; it is a part of the human experience, part of who we are.

[bluestateguy]

1. stupid

I oppose this high school, BUT these protestors are hatemongers and losers.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. I am gay and oppose this school.

How about we protect our children in public schools instead of segregate them and shelter them?

[Laughing Mirror]

3. well only a dozen of the Bible thumpers

who seemed to have been flown in
compared with about 250 supporters of the school of 75 students

so 5 supporters for every student, which is not bad, whether one is opposed to the school or not

i am not opposed to this school at all, only to ignorance

[Pert_UK]

4. It is my duty as a Christian to spread intolerance and repression...

"Jesus' take on all this"

Fuck me......the world would be a better place if people stopped thinking that they had a direct line to the Almighty or his offspring...

Why is it that people feel free to come up with whichever interpretation of their religion which best fits their own bigotry?

Assholes, the lot of them.

[NekoChris]

5. I dunno

I mean, if I were gay, and went to a school of all gays, my chances of getting a date would be greatly increased! :D

Also: Religious zealots suck jump in front of a bus plz kthx