Gay-supporters

express dismay

Associated Press

Supporters of homosexual rights expressed dismay at the Supreme Court's refusal yesterday to hear the case of a Washington state teacher fired solely for being gay.

But they emphasized that the court decision set no precedent and would not overturn existing state or local laws protecting gays against

discrimination.

Needless to say I'm disappointed," said James Gaylord, the former Tacoma high school social studies teacher whose job was at stake.

For me it is the end of the road," said Gaylord. who now works for the Tacoma Federation of Teachers. "I'm not terribly happy about losing. but someone else will win, believe

me.

25.

David Hirschi, assistant to the publisher of the Advocate, a national gay newspaper based in San Mateo, Calif., said his paper regarded the decisión as "a serious threat, not only

to the rights of gays, but of all human beings."

Hirschi said he feared the decision would strengthen a petition drive by California State Sen. John Briggs to enact a law ousting gay teachers, solely because of their sexual preference.

Courts in some other states have ruled that a person cannot be discriminated against in employment because of homosexuality, and some communities, including San Francisco and Wichita, Kan., have ordinances protecting gay rights.

A similar ordinance in Miami was repealed by voters earlier this year after a nationally publicized campaign led by singer Anita Bryant.

After learning of yesterday's decision, Miss Bryant said she now had "greater hope that God has given America the space to repent.

"This will slow down the forces that are attempting to destroy the foundation of this country, the family unit," she said.

James Gaylord

Associated Press