Student Vote Rejects Anti-Gay Measure

Students at Bremerton High School on Wednesday rejected a proposed amendment to the school’s constitution that would have let the student council oust members who were openly homosexual.

The measure, which identified homosexuality as an “immoral behavior” akin to indecent exposure and sexual harassment, was denied by a vote of 635 to 475, said Marilee Hansen, the school principal.

“I’m delighted it’s not going to be added to the constitution,” Hansen said. “But I’m a little taken aback by the number of students who have this (anti-gay) feeling. We have a lot of educating to do.”

The anti-gay measure would have made it possible for students discovered practicing “immoral behavior” to be impeached from elected office by their peers on the council “in order to preserve the integrity and high moral standards that BHS is built upon.”