Spokane board rejects materials on sexual orientation
Associated Press

The Spokane School Board has declined to approve teaching materials on homosexuality and homophobia after parents complained that they were inaccurate and constituted propaganda.

A 25-minute videotape, "Being Gay: Coming Out in the 21st Century," and a four-page booklet to go with it called "Dealing with Homophobia" were recommended for use in ninth-grade health classes.

After the five-member board's 2-2 vote Wednesday night, Superintendent Brian Benzel urged administrators to continue searching for educational materials to address sexual-orientation issues. The fifth board member was not at the meeting, and could break the deadlock at a subsequent session.

A dozen people addressed the board, saying they were concerned and offended by the proposed classroom materials, which had been recommended by a committee of teachers and administrators, a 14-person citizens advisory committee and a group of principals.