Thread by @JMHendersonSr

Not a reader of @NicholasSparks but have watched several of his books as movies.

Tearjerkers for sure.

I'm a gay man that lived a life of fear, isolation, and quiet desperation from my early years on.

I probably would have benefited from a club that existed to say, "Whatever I might think about your sexual orientation, you deserve to be safe and free from fear in life."

And, honestly, I think that is what, in particular, Gay Straight Alliance Clubs are about.

Today, in schools that receive federal funds and that have a club forum or offer an opportunity for political, religious, or philosophical groups, formed by students, to meet, a rule prohibiting such #LGBTQIA clubs would violate the #EAA, the Equal Access Act.

@NicholasSparks, however, is not involved with a #publicschool. He has founded and participates in running a #private #religious #school with a #Christian #identity. His school does not have to comply with the #EqualAccessAct.

And I'm okay with respecting the constitutional freedom of association of religious schools such as the one founded by @NicholasSparks (and the creative freedoms of cake bakers, etc.).

Still, I am troubled by his decision because I think that he misses an opportunity to be grace and life to others in so doing.

Just as, when the Boy Scouts barred gay youth from membership I concluded that they were missing important opportunities to be influencers in lives.

I think it regrettable that #Sparks may not see how his school and his influence could benefit and bless those who, in their early and formative years, are fixed in their orientation toward members of the same sex.

You don't have to condone choices to listen to voices. You don't have to throw stones to affirm your sexuality or to confirm your view of God's design for sexuality.

Among those that never went ahead and threw a stone at the women taken in adultery was the one person in the town square that was without sin: Christ Jesus.

"Does no man condemn you?"
"No, Lord, no man condemns me."
"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

If you are located in North Carolina and have experienced denial by a public school to form or conduct the activities of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club, or a political, philosophical, or religious club, I'd be happy to provide you with a free consultation about your legal options.

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