Christian Bales graduated from Holy Cross High School in Covington, Kentucky, Friday evening. Mr. Bales was the class valedictorian. He was forbidden to give his commencement speech. The Catholic administrators of the school announced that the young man’s speech was unacceptable. “When the proposed speeches were received, they were found to contain elements that were political and inconsistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

Mr. Bales, who is openly gay, was detmined to give his speech. After the ceremony was over, he used a bullhorn to deliver his words to parents and students outside of the venue.

“The [student council] president is my best friend, and we have been two huge advocates for social reform in our community, which has likely put us on the radar for the diocese,” Bales told ABC affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.

Just ten hours before the commencement was to begin, Mr. Bales was informed that he would not be allowed to speak. However, he offered his message to those gathered around him.

“‘The young people will win’ is a mantra that I’m sure many of you have heard if you’ve been attentive to the media recently. It’s a phrase adopted by the prolific [Marjory] Stoneman Douglas teenagers [from Parkland, Florida] who are advocating for an agenda — our rights to feel secure as humans.”

This is a clear example of how religion denies the first amendment rights of all Americans. Forcing antiquated beliefs upon men and women who seek spiritual guidance is the action of a cult, not religious leaders.

Although Trump and his failed party would like to remove many of our freedoms, we must never allow them to take away free speech. Without the guarantees of the first amendment, there is no United States of America.

Op-ed by James Turnage

SOURCE

Photo courtesy of Michael D Beckwith

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