MM wrote on November 16, 2009 02:46 PM: To Don't Accept Homosexuality,

If you really believe that it is ok to manipulate children with your fairy tales that have no merit then do us all a favor and do not procreate. I thank God everyday for evolution because I can be reassured that dinosaurs like you will eventually be phased out.

William wrote on November 14, 2009 09:18 PM: God gave us a brain.

Christians demand we not use it.

Leana wrote on November 11, 2009 02:22 PM: Judge Wall ROCKS. Break a leg kids!!!! See you opening night. Remember you need thick skin in show biz. Not thick skulls like the parents who objected.

Sideline the Wingnut Cons wrote on November 11, 2009 01:15 AM: They are irrelevant, like Sarah Palin:

Sarah Palin's newest conspiracy theory on the "disturbing" redesign of U.S. coins was too much, even for Fox News -- on Tuesday night, Fox fact-checked Palin.

Last Friday, while speaking at a Wisconsin Right to Life fundraising banquet -- attendees were barred from bringing cell phones, cameras, laptops -- Palin rolled out the latest: an anti-Christian conspiracy in the redesign of U.S. coins. Palin waded into the subject by remarking that there had been a lot of "change" of late -- for example, the redesign of U.S. currency which moved the once-centered text "In God We Trust" to the edge of coins.

"Who calls a shot like that?" Palin demanded on Friday. "Who makes a decision like that?"

As Fox News anchor Bret Baier noted: President Bush, that's who.

Baier quoted from Politico's write up on the banquet which commented on the not-so-hidden subtext of Palin's speech: "Unsaid but implied was that the new Democratic White House was behind such a move to secularize the nation's currency." Baier added: "In actuality the coin's design was commissioned in 2005, when Republicans controlled congress, and then was approved by then President Bush."

God bless MG wrote on November 11, 2009 12:34 AM: Romans 1:26-28 (New International Version)

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

GV teacher wrote on November 10, 2009 11:56 PM: I just knew if I scrolled to the comments there would be Mr. "MG" over and over again. MG - You really do need to get a life. Now you talk to God and he told you homosexuality is bad? That nut who killed those loyal soldiers in Ft. Hood also said he was doing God's work - as written in the Koran. Then you want to argue that Judge Wall didn't say watching the play was a matter of choice so you could not prove irreprable harm and therefore no injunction. Give it up! What would be even more amazing is if one of your children told you someday that he or she was gay. Of course, that could not happen because of all your righteous teaching and wonderful parenting skills. But, hate to burst your bubble but we have gay students at GV who are Mormons and afraid of their own parents so they don't talk to them - that I find sad but then if they are small minded like you... (yes, I know you'll go off about being called names again)I just want to know the last time there was a play you agreed with that you first insisted that parental input be sought. And, we know Mr. Horn met with a a group of Mormons he just stood his ground, you didn't get your way so you sued - and lost. Now go bug some other high school.

wrote on November 10, 2009 11:44 PM: It’s not okay to post without spell checking first…”Holly Bible”.

Dont Accept Homosexuality wrote on November 10, 2009 10:52 PM: Parents can shield their children from things that are not acceptable, such as homosexuality. It is not ok to tell our children it's ok to be gay. The public school should not allow these plays to happen because of the content. If I was paying for it, I understand I don't have to see it, but when our children are going to school to be taught being gay is ok, IT NOT!!!! I think the judge is wrong and all the rest of you are wrong thinking this is acceptable. The world is to liberal and the Holly Bible does not say homosexuality is ok, it says it is not ok. Maybe you liberals need to read the Bible more.

melen0640 wrote on November 10, 2009 09:47 PM: Since the kids did not have to

participate I dont see the problem.


Cant figure out why the right wing nuts seem to think we all have to live by their beliefs. There are many things that should be a persons CHOICE.

melen0640 wrote on November 10, 2009 09:43 PM: Since the kids did not have to participate I dont see the problem.
Cant figure out why the right wing nuts seem to think we all have to live by their beliefs. There are many things that should be a persons CHOICE.

Justice wrote on November 10, 2009 08:52 PM: MG:

Wrong about the lack of merit.

The judge didn't even need to decide merit because you lacked standing. This is not the same as deciding there was merit to your claim, but you lack standing so you cannot bring it. There is a difference.

The judge would have found lack of merit had you standing to sue because the policy you invoked was inapplicable.

And as far as your kid not participating in the plays, he/she can try out for Little Women, or could have participated in the Broadway and Shakespeare productions earlier in the season. Why must it be all or nothing?

mooser wrote on November 10, 2009 08:28 PM: Ron pwn'd MG.

Awesome.

MG says: "Think about that folks; as parents with students in the High School, you do not have standing to complain about curriculum."


This guy REALLY thinks that an EXTRAcurricular activity is part of the curriculum--now THAT is pretty good stuff. I mean, irony at its best.

LOL!!!!

GV Parent wrote on November 10, 2009 07:58 PM: M.G.: If you were actually at the court hearing today, we might listen to you about what the judge said.

lvtalon wrote on November 10, 2009 06:45 PM: The whole argument is extremely petty. There are plenty of other and more important things our children will face, drugs, crime, etc. and this is where time and effort is being spent? I'm no fan of the gay rights movement, but to me the answer is simple. If you don't like the play don't go. Vote with your feet and with your dollars and allow others to do the same. Denying the performance, like denying free speech, precludes others from making their own decisions and that's antithetical to a free society. Let the opposing views discredit themselves. For those who are parents, like myself, you do a disservice to your children shielding/censoring/whatever them from all the particulars in the world then proceeding under the naive assumption that they will not eventually decide these things for themselves. As if they'll never know of homosexuality because they're shielded. EDUCATE your children, inform them, persuade them, teach them to think independently, explain your beliefs and why you believe they are right. In the end that's the only power a parent has.
I think this whole debate teaches us all that in a society where individuals can freely express their ideas expect to be offended... often.

ron wrote on November 10, 2009 06:38 PM: And M.G. this is NOT curriculum that children are required. It is a play - an extracuricular activity that people can choose to participate in. Just like football. I think football is a violent sport that leads to violent behavior but I don't stop your kid from playing or other kids from going to the game. I don't go, my kids don't go. Now if football were forced on my kids, I'd be complaining. Get the difference?

ron wrote on November 10, 2009 06:34 PM: Good job judge! I'm actually glad those parents tried to shut the play down because otherwise I wouldn't have even known it was going on. I'm glad now I'll get to see it too.

ObamasTeleprompter wrote on November 10, 2009 06:09 PM: Would Judge Wall consider "it a matter of choice" if the plays extolled pro-life and pro Christian values?

On another note, Rent doesn't hold a candle to Balzac's "Vautrin" (written over 150 years ago and yes, the main character is homosexual) So much for Green Valley being edgy.

atdleft wrote on November 10, 2009 06:03 PM: t-

Thank you and good points! In fact, I wonder how these "concerned parents" would react if I were to sue to block "A Christmas Carol" from showing at GVHS. After all, we atheists don't believe in the god myth. Shouldn't we shield our kids from such objectionable Christianist propaganda?

Of course I wouldn't do that, but how is what they just did any different? Yes, we queer people exist. Yes, we are a part of this community. And yes, we suffer brutal discrimination in this nation and the students at GVHS should be able to talk about it... And promote discussion on it through these plays.

Oh, and LGBT people have families, too. How come these bigots don't want to be "exposed" to our families? I'm SO sick and tired of the double standards and the hypocrisy. So much of Las Vegas is (hetero)sexualized, but the religious right targets plays like this for just showing that gay people exist.

Thank GOD we ain't UTAH wrote on November 10, 2009 05:40 PM: Thank GOD we ain't UTAH. The UTAH Judge is of course MORMON so the fix is in. They would have shot down these plays so fast. Sharia law based on little white guys (called Elders) who get these Mormons to believe their REAL Gods (no kidding). No equal rights, No life, liberty, nor pursuit of happiness.

Utah has Sharia Law based on the Mormon Bible called the Koran.

Thank you Nevada and the other 48 States whom form the REAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Happy Mormon Veterans Day!!!

MIKE VEGAS wrote on November 10, 2009 05:30 PM: I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT THESE PLAYS ARE OFFENSIVE TO SOME, AND YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE. I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU, IF YOU AND YOUR CHILD INVITED ANOTHER CHILD TO THE CHURCH YOU ATTEND, DO YOU THINK THAT ONE SERVICE WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING THAT CHILD WAS BROUGHT UP TO BELIEVE? I THINK IT WOULD ONLY EXPAND THIER MIND TO UNDERSTAND YOU AND YOUR BELIEFS AND GIVE THEM AN OPPURTUNITY TO MAKE UP THIER OWN MINDS. YOU CAN LEAD YOU CHILD TO WATER BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE THEM DRINK. RAISE THEM RIGHT AND THEY'LL BE ABLE TO SORT OUT RIGHT FROM WRONG, GOOD FROM EVIL. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN YOUR KIDS AND GIVE THEM PLENTY OF SUPPORT. THEY'LL BE FINE. YOU WERE EXPOSED TO THINGS I'M SUR YOUR PARENTS THOUGHT WERE APPALLING AND NOW IT'S YOUR TURN

S. Summerlin wrote on November 10, 2009 05:25 PM: MG -

I do not condemn you or spite you for not wanting to see or participate in the play. It is your right to do so. It is also your right to hold feelings towards a group of people based off of your beliefs...

I do not deny you those feelings and your right to express them in such ways...

I also believe your information regarding the Laramie Project is equally slanted towards your beliefs as you suggest mine is... in this we reach an impasse.

You must see the difference between having a different opinion and being allowed to express such opinions as bigotry...

You judge all homosexuals in one way because you want to believe they are the problem... that is your right... but it does make you a bigot equally in saying that all blacks are criminals (which in my belief they aren't but it's the clearest example of bigotry I can find)... you were the one that equated homosexuals to the pervets who cut the hole at UNLV, not me...

I know your Roman's chapter... and with a bit of in depth analysis, and a bit more study, you will find that the specific chapter you referenced came from the RITUALS of worshipping a false god... the condmenation was on the acts of the rituals (in my belief and my research)... but thanks for countering my passage about Love with your favorite about subjugating a group of people... NICE.

And yes... I will stand firm and state, that when a father spouts against a group of people without knowing the individuals, that is bigotry... and I am sure, without guidance from others, the children would learn the same lessons...

M.G. wrote on November 10, 2009 05:06 PM: Parents should all be very clear what the court actually ruled today. He did not say the plays were appropriate.

What he said was that the parents did not have standing to bring this complaint. Think about that folks; as parents with students in the High School, you do not have standing to complain about curriculum.

I wish I was making this up, but the motion for a TRO was dismissed not for lack of merit but for lack of standing.

t wrote on November 10, 2009 05:03 PM: This is a play. It is fiction. As I said in an earlier post, maybe we shouldn't perform "A Christmas Carol" because Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate holidays. What about performing "Footloose" or "Grease"? Both have dance scenes and would be objectionable to some Fundamentalist sects. How sad that this ended up in court. What a total waste of taxpayer dollars.

Brian wrote on November 10, 2009 05:01 PM: Just think how bad education would be a few parents controlled everything.

M.G. wrote on November 10, 2009 04:56 PM: and furthermore Summerlin...

Talk to the people of Laramie that are portrayed as the right-winged religious bigots. See how truthfully they feel they are portrayed in this play. The play is, was, and always will be a lie crafted to promote the homosexual agenda.

Matthew Sheppard was not killed because he was gay. Stop reading just the rhetoric - yes there is some truth in there. But read the other sources, police reports etc. Ask the owners of the Laramie Project for the actual transcripts of the interviews; they will tell you they are in the play. You can't have the originals. However, those interviewed have repeatedly stated they are misquoted and taken out of context. The people of Laramie have condemned the play as inaccurate.

How dare you claim that those that disagree with you are instilling hate and bigotry in our children. We instill morals and values; we demonstrate taking a stand when you believe something is important. Parent involvement in education is important. Who is the closed minded bigot? YOU! for failing to realize in a civilized manner that people can disagree. No fighting, no attacks, no picketing of the school, no calling for people to be fired just civil disagreement within the system. Shame on you for name calling and attacking people for standing up for their rights the way the law intended.

GVparent wrote on November 10, 2009 04:54 PM: I'm not saying that these plays are bad or good. But I do say they're inappropriate to take younger children to, and I enjoy seeing a play at the high school that I can take my whole family to. So am I supposed to pay extra money to get a babysitter, instead of paying $5 for my 9 yr old to see a show? I doubt I'd want my teenager to portray a gay person when I'm not that supportive of them. I tolerate their decision and right to be gay, but I wouldn't want anyone to think my daughter is, because she might play one in a show. Yes, this might be narrow-minded, but alas there are some who are.

why couldn't the drama teacher find the million other plays or musicals out there that a whole family can enjoy? I hope they have a lousy turnout. Its the only way. But if all this ends up getting more folks out there, all it does is send the wrong message that controversy yields the big bucks.

Reality sets in wrote on November 10, 2009 04:52 PM: The truth behind it all:
The passion on both sides is why these plays were chosen. Real life issues with high emotional content a huge draw for teenagers. If they are interested in what they do, then they learn farrrrrrr more than being lectured.

It's all about learning and growing up. Isn't it better to part of the conversation than to be blocked out?

M.G. wrote on November 10, 2009 04:46 PM: There goes the name calling again. Anyone that disagrees with the leftist Politically correct dogma must be a bigot and facist.

You are incorrect! The school knowingly and willingly excluded my students from participation through the selection of the material. The school was well aware that this would cause controversy - they even put it on the web site. We are a country based on religious tolerance, but we only tolerate a lack of religious belief.

Where is my name calling and tantrum? We tried to meet with the Principal. We tried to complain by letter and phone call. We filed for relief when no one would even listen! The name calling and tantrums have been by those that hate, like you! You hate religion and you hate those that follow and believe in a religious view point.

My children are taught to love everyone and treat them with respect... without regard to the sins they may choose to commit; because none of us are perfect. My children are kind and generous to everyone, as I try to be.

I am not a bigot. Everyone that disagrees with you is not a bigot. I could care less what you and your partner choose to do. I don't want my lifestyle taught in schools either. Schools should not be teaching religious viewpoint of any form. Including an agnostic or atheistic view. That is for the parents and churches to fulfill.

Those in support of the homosexual agenda are the ones calling people names and being non-tolerant. Yes we all sin - but to answer your question; my favorite is Rom. 1:26-28

atdleft wrote on November 10, 2009 04:36 PM: How about this for "tort reform": The religious right should stop filing frivolous law suits against schools doing what schools are meant to be doing (teaching and encouraging critical thinking).

Am I the only person here noticing their hypocrisy in whining about "law suit abuse" just as they waste our tax dollars to try to shove homophobia down our throats?

Two Cents wrote on November 10, 2009 04:35 PM: It's too bad this school could not have chosen material suitable for everyone to enjoy. I have seen high school plays. I simply enjoy being entertained for my money. These are high school kids and personally, I think they should be learning the craft and saving the agendas for when they are older. We might be laughing at "The Gate are Wide Open" but his/her comment is not too far off base.

S. Summerlin wrote on November 10, 2009 04:24 PM: One more thing MG -

"My children were excluded from participation because of the choice of material. Why are you failing to stand up for their rights to be in the musical?"

You chose to exclude your children from the musical... they had every opportunity to participate in both plays... there are plenty of characters in the plays are bigots and hate mongerers... I am sure they would have done well to represent the lessons you teach...

My guess is, your kids probably would have enjoyed being in the plays as supporting roles of non-gay characters... or may have even enjoyed ACTING as a gay character...

There are plenty of gay people that enjoy playing straight roles too...

You are the one to blame here... not the school, not the kids, not the principal... YOU!

S. Summerlin wrote on November 10, 2009 04:21 PM: So "MG", do you not care about the rights of the parents who want their children to perform in the plays?

And how dare you suggest that Matthew Shepard was not killed because he was gay... even the murderers admitted... and now after being in prison "recant" it...

And if you would think for a moment, the best lesson you could teach your children here would be "there are people that value things different than we do... we will show what we value by not participating"...

Instead... your lesson is "why I don't get things my way, I will stomp my feet and throw a tantrum insulting anyone I can to get my way"...

You might as well have your children watch "The Simple Life"... it's a better object lesson than what you have done...

But then again, when one is clouded with hate and bigotry... they are not willing to receive life's true lesson...

"Heaven forbid the truth get in the way of tolerance and love."

Tolerance and Love? Should those not be the greatest commandments of all?

First John 4:7-8

Try that one on for size... because perhaps you need to read it a few more times to understand...

S. Summerlin wrote on November 10, 2009 04:14 PM: MG -

You speak of nothing that you have any context... I speak from personal and life experience.

I am a Christian.
I am a conservative.
I have voted Republican in 95% of the last elections because I believe that they most represent what I value --- limited government...

Unfortunately, they also believe that the best place for the government to be involved is in the bedroom. Morality is for the Church and the Home... not the Government...

So where is the Republican Party now? It is all about Government control and expansion... so who represents me now?

I am Gay because God made me that way. I sin just like every person does. And I pray for forgiveness...

There absolutely IS biological evidence that there is homosexuality in nature, and there is even research that there are shared homosexual genes... you are the one in denial, not me.

Tell me where God says homosexuality is a sin... you will find similiar comments about shellfish and pork being a sin too... and divorce... and adultery and all the wonderful things that "straight" people do every day... and subjects that are involved in plays that are performed every week in High Schools across America.

So there are gay people that cut holes in bathrooms... sad that that has to happen, but I am sure you are equally disturbed by the rapist in Ohio who killed all those girls too...

You pick and choose what you want to use as an example, and I will come back with 50 others where straight people do the same...

But there is no point... you will never change your bigotted ways... and yes, it is bigotry because you condemn me and my relationship without even knowing me... and that, by definition, is bigotry.

M.G. wrote on November 10, 2009 04:08 PM: Hey Dougster...

We contacted the school the week they announced the plays publicly. We contacted the teacher and the Principal. Did all of you tolerant and loving proponents of the play know that the parents requested to meet with Mr. Horn and he refused to meet with us?

Did you know that despite over 100 phone calls and letters to the Principal expressing concern and a request to reconsider this particular play that Mr. Horn continues to state he has only received a couple of complaints? He does this because those letters were not on the districts complaint form - thus no formal complaint.

We went to court because we tried everything else. We tried working with the school. We were shut out! Heaven forbid the truth get in the way of tolerance and love.

The Gate are Wide Open wrote on November 10, 2009 04:01 PM: 50 years ago a line was drawn in the sand against vile immorality. And then 30 years ago and 20. Today that line is gone. We live in a feel good society, do what ever you want society and we are setting ourselves up. In 20 years or less you will see someone try to push a man/boy play. So by your decision today you have opened the gates. What are you going to say, marriage is between a man and a man. You will be laughed out of court. But you'll say oh that will never happen we know the difference. Were too progressive to let that happen. Funny that's what the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Aztecs and Barbarians thought. Give us 20 years and we will be a statistic as well. Fools enjoy the play, eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall all die.

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