Gay/Straight Club Hot Topic in Lexington 5 Board Meeting

IRMO (WLTX) - Last week Irmo Principal Eddie Walker said he was resigning from his post next year because he was told to allow the formation of a gay-straight alliance club.

Walker said that went against his religious and professional beliefs.

Now, the formation of the club was a hot topic at a Richland-Lexington District 5 Board meeting.

Out of all the items on the agenda, this alliance recieved the biggest crowd and the most feedback.

Those in favor and opposed to a gay/straight alliance stood outside Dutch Fork Elementary, everyone with signs and stories.

"My son was thrown up against the wall when he was in gym class at Irmo Middle School," says Deborah Tripp.

Tripp says it felt like yesterday even though it was more than 20 years ago.

"They decided to go ahead and call me and tell me I needed to take him to the hospital," adds Tripp.

She found out her son's arm was broken by kids who thought he was gay.

"I did go to the principal to let him know the punishment needed to fit the crime and it needed to send a message to students that this type of violation of another person is unacceptable," adds Tripp.

And Deborah feels a gay-straight club would help all students cope with their differences.

But while Deborah was protesting other protestors were talking to God praying for grace and mercy against all in favor of this type of club.

"God already set the laws in motion; he already did it! Why are we disobeying him," said Minister Paulette Sykes. More of Gay/Straight Club Hot Topic in Lexington 5 Board Meeting
WLTX.com, SC