"School Runs Contest For Best Anti-Gay Essay" by the Associated PressFarmington, New Mexico - An essay contest at a New Mexico high school asks students to explain why preserving marriage between men and women is vital society and why unborn children merit respect and protection.
The contest, at Farmington's Piedra Vista High School, is being held in connection with an essay contest sponsored by United Families International, an organization whose primary mission is "to strengthen the family by promoting marriage between one man and woman and the protection of human life, including unborn children."
...The parent of a sophomore at the school complained about the contest to the ACLU.
"The contest had nothing to do with encouraging critical thinking," said ACLU of New Mexico staff attorney George Bach.
"It was a tactic to shape students' political views in the guise of an objective school assignment."
The contest also is being criticized by Equality New Mexico, and NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico.
In a letter to Principal Donny Ortiz they say that the contest violates state regulations banning sexual orientation discrimination by teachers.
..."Piedra Vista High School's apparent lack of respect for diversity in thought is troubling," said Alexis Blizman, Executive Director of LGBT civil rights group Equality New Mexico
"Students in taxpayer-funded public schools simply shouldn't be forced to accept one viewpoint over another, regardless of the issue."
Garcia's office did not return calls seeking comment.