Catholic World News News Feature
Lesbians sue Catholic school for refusing daughter August 06, 2004
A lesbian couple has sued a Catholic school and its parish after a daughter was refused admittance.
After describing her irregular domestic arrangement to school principal Dianne Bert last year, Lee Inkmann was told her daughter would not be allowed to attend O'Hara Catholic School, because the lesbian relationship conflicted with Church doctrine, and could be confusing to other pupils. Inkmann and partner Trish Wilson are suing for $550,000 in damages, naming the school principal, as well as Father Mark Bachmeier, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, in their claim.
Portland Archdiocese spokesman Bud Bunce told the Associated Press that the "archdiocese plans a vigorous defense ... it is believed that this situation was handled appropriately. The lawsuit filed includes numerous false statements of fact, and is believed to be totally without merit."
