RIVERSIDE, Calif. — In what could eventually become a statewide precedent, a Riverside County judge has found no legal basis for a lawsuit brought on behalf of two girls kicked out of a Christian school for an alleged lesbian relationship, it was reported Saturday.
Judge Gloria Trask found the girls’ discrimination lawsuit had no legal basis under California’s anti-discrimination laws.
Attorneys for the two unnamed girls said California’s laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in business settings. But the judge did not agree.
The lawyer for California Lutheran High School in Wildomar applauded the decision, and said the religious school has a right to expel sinners, the Riverside Press-Enterprise said.
“You can’t infringe upon the basic rights of a religious group and their right of association by forcing them to accept people who don’t believe in their values,” attorney John McKay told the paper.
The school’s principal, Steve Rosenbaum, said he was pleased with the ruling. “We are confidant that things will continue to proceed according to the Lord’s plan.,” he told the paper.
Attorneys for the girls could not be reached for comment, but McKay said he expects them to appeal the decision to an appellate court.
Under the California constitution, the ruling in Superior Court does not settle the same issue in other courtrooms, but an appeals court ruling would apply across the appellate court’s jurisdiction area and would influence cases all across the state
• Original title: Christian School Ruling Involving Gay Students Could Set Precedent