The private St.
Anthony's High School in Long Island, New York, said Angeline
Lange, 17, would not be allowed to take a female partner to the
event because it goes against the school's teachings.
As reported by the
Daily Mail, Lange insists she should be able to take a friend or
partner regardless of their gender.
She said: "Friends
should be allowed to bring friends regardless of whether or not
they are dating."
The teen, who is the
first pupil to make the request in the school's 78-year history,
also believes the school fails to recognise that a same-sex couple
attending the prom may not be in a sexual relationship, and also
that heterosexual couples attending could be engaging in premarital
sex - a practice that is also condemned by the faith.
Lange told the Mail: "I
feel it is unfair. The Catholic Church views sexual contact between
same sex people the same as premarital sex. The church recognises
gays as individuals, it does not condone physical
contact.
"If gays are not
allowed at the prom because it is assumed that they are engaging in
sexual activity then heterosexual couples should not be allowed at
the prom because then it can be assumed that they are participating
in premarital sex."
St. Anthony's defended
the decision, stating it is a matter of adhering to the school's
religious beliefs. Principal, Brother Gary Cregan, told MSNBC: "We
thought it would send a mixed message to OK her request,.
"Our Catholic faith
specifies that marriage involves a man and a woman, and our
policies on dating must reflect that.
"We mean no malice or
disrespect. But this is an important part of our faith and we must
stand by it."
