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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFifth Grader Prohibited From Giving Speech In Support Of Marriage
NEW YORK: Fifth Grader Prohibited From Giving Speech In Support Of Marriage
Queens fifth grader Kameron Slade was prohibited from giving a speech supporting same-sex marriage when he competed in a school-wide competition.
His mother, who doesn't want to be identified, said the principal told her the topic is inappropriate. "For him to be denied the right to voice his opinion really upsets me," she said. "I was really looking forward to it," Kameron said. "I thought that this was a real good winning speech for tomorrow." Kameron's mother said he was told to choose any topic, so he chose same-sex marriage. But on Wednesday, the principal said he should write another speech or be removed from the contest. "She said that people have different opinions on it and that some parents may not want their children to learn about this type of topic," Kameron said. Kameron's speech calls for acceptance and tolerance. It describes his mother's explanation of the issue and his impression of his mother's friends who are gay. "They seemed happy," he said. "Best of all, they seemed to love each other. The only difference was that there were two moms instead of a mother and a father."
Zack Ford has the NY1 clip of Kameron reading his speech.
immoderate
(20,885 posts)--imm
HockeyMom
(14,337 posts)These are 5th Graders. They have never seen gay couples in NYC? I would like to know how these parents, who don't want their 11 year olds to know about gay marriage, are going to prevent them from knowing? Keep them from watching TV? Newpapers?
Smilo
(1,944 posts)understand how much 5th graders really now about sex at that age then you should resign - or may be go hang out in the bathrooms at break.
Good for Kameron - smart, intelligent, personable - a definite winner!!
rfranklin
(13,200 posts)from what his mother was saying.
It is the principla who is focused on the sexual aspect of the topic.
justiceischeap
(14,040 posts)but thanks for the support!
obamanut2012
(26,064 posts)peace13
(11,076 posts)They have open heart and mind and will tell us how they see it. Much can be learned from listening!