The debate about "gay straight alliance" clubs in schools seems at its source to be fueled by incompatible belief systems. Those who truly believe in an objective standard of morality outside of man himself, such as God and His laws, will not buy into today’s politicized, excessive, and unlimited sexuality. On the other hand, those who are only culturally "religious" or who espouse the secular humanist world view of moral relativism will most likely excuse or embrace the sexual revolution. To quote Dostoevsky, "Where there is no God, all is permitted."

We are left to solve this problem through democratic principles. Democratic societies establish public policies based on the values held by the majority. But "In order to prefer certain groups it is necessary to harm others," said Robert Bork. It is up to society to decide what groups to prefer when drafting and enforcing laws. Hopefully, it chooses groups that most benefit society as a whole and in the long run.

In recent news is the story of a member of the French parliament who spoke up in favor of traditional morality during debate about adopting a "homosexual hate speech law." After the law passed, the man’s opinion was printed in the paper whereupon he was sued by homosexual activist groups and fined heavily (punishment could have included six months in jail). It becomes obvious in this case which group France is now preferring and which group is being harmed.

GSA clubs give us such a choice. If we prefer the modern sexual freedom group by allowing the club, we harm the traditional sexual morality group. If we prefer the traditional morality group by denying the club, we harm the modern sexual freedom group.

Sociological arguments in defense of gay clubs amount to much-repeated activist propaganda. Rather than plow through that type of argument, perhaps it’s most helpful to go to the source. The idea of GSA clubs in schools for grades K-12 is the brainchild of the richly-funded Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. A little web surfing reveals that GLSEN not only specifically instructs kids as young as 13 on how to start a gay club in their school but also teaches them in workshops and recommended books how to perform sexual behaviors most decent people have never imagined. These activists are all for children "discovering their sexuality" at the earliest possible age, that is, whoever, whenever, whatever, however. In such circles, parents, orthodox religion, and traditional morality are mocked, discounted, and maligned.

Public-policy-wise, arguments for gay clubs are actually moot. Utah citizens have elected lawmakers who have made laws which prefer the traditional sexual morality group. State code requires that schools encourage abstinence until marriage. Advocacy of homosexuality, which is what gay clubs are about, is prohibited by law in our state. Schools may not even solicit students’ opinions about sexuality without written parental consent.

As for the federal Equal Access Act often used to support GSA clubs, a thorough reading of the act shows the EAA allows the denial of clubs that are illegal in individual states. In other words, in the case of gay clubs, state law trumps the EAA.

Still, it is up to our state to enforce its laws. Presently, dedicated lawmakers such as Chris Buttars and Aaron Tilton are laboring to make the above Utah codes stronger and more clear in order to ensure the protection of students and the preservation of parental rights. This seems to be necessary in light of recent events.

For example, local teachers, principals, administrators, and school boards have recently taken it upon themselves to disregard the innocence of children, parents’ concerns, and the law. This occurred at Provo High with the installation of a GSA club, which clubs advocate homosexuality, despite overwhelming public opposition. It also occurred at Lone Peak High with the printing of a full-page pro/con student opinion article in the school newspaper on gay clubs and homosexuality with approval of the principal and without parental consent. Both actions broke the existing laws mentioned above.

Where complacency rules, wrong policies will abound. We the people must raise awareness and hold accountable those in positions of trust. For example, we can elect school boards which will unflinchingly prefer the majority’s values and uphold the law. It has been said that local school boards have greater influence on culture than national politicians.

Today, these and other such actions will require the regeneration of a strong self-confidence in traditional morality and the courage to speak up on these issues in the public arena.

Stephen F. Graham, President
Standard of Liberty