Prom Ban Student Overwhelmed By Support
by Jan Prout
365Gay.com Newscenter in Toronto

(March 28, Toronto)  Marc Hall says he is overwhelmed by the support he has received in his fight to bring his boyfriend to the Senior Prom.

The 18 year old student was told by the principal of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School that condoning a same-sex date for the prom would contravene Catholic teachings on homosexuality and "school policies.''  

Gay rights groups, PFLAG, and the giant Canadian Autoworkers Union have thrown their support behind the teenager, and on Wednesday,  Ontario Liberal Dalton McGuinty issued a public appeal to the Durham Catholic School Board to reconsider.

"By refusing to allow him to attend the prom with his companion, Marc Hall is being denied some of his most basic rights as a human being and as a Canadian. There is nothing more basic than having the right to choose one’s companions. In Marc’s case, I cannot understand how the decision to invite his boyfriend to his high school prom poses a threat to Catholic education, " McGuinty said.

The suburban Toronto school board is not getting any support from other Catholic boards in the area.  Toronto, Ottawa, and Clarington Separate School Boards have all dealt with the issue in the past and allowed gays and lesbians to bring dates of their choosing to proms.

George Smitherman, the Member of the Legislature who represents the downtown Toronto area which includes the Gay Village, told 365Gay.com he is impressed with Hall.

"This is just a nice kid, and all he wants to do is bring his boyfriend to the school dance." Smitherman said.

The gay MPP met with the teen and his parents on the weekend.

"What struck me about Marc was that he had never been to Pride, he has never been to the Village.  This kid has no agenda, and he isn't interested in making gay history.  He just wants to go to the prom with the most important person in his life right now. Period."

Smitherman said he was also impressed with Marc's parents.

"They have infused strong values in their son," Smitherman said.  "This is one very courageous young man, and he is fortunate to have such a supportive family."

Hall will be at the school board's next meeting, April 8. The board has not said if it will hear his case, but he says if the board continues to hold out, he's prepared to go to court.

Marc says he's prepared for a fight if that is necessary, but he says he wants the issue resolved so he can go back to being a normal kid.

Marc Hall website: http://geocities.com/rights_and_freedoms/

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