Supreme court ducks gay recognition case

"Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON The Supreme Court yesterday let stand a lower court ruling that public universities may not deny official recognition and use of facilities to a student group. supporting homosexuality.

It was the second time this term that justices refused to review a decision raising questions about the legal rights of homosexuals.

And, in an unusual action, two dissenting justices accused the majority of hiding in a "judicial

storm cellar" to avoid controversy.

In the case the justices declined to review yesterday, an organization calling itself the Gay People's Union sought recognition and use of facilities at the University of Missouri.

The group said it did not intend to "recruit." Its purpose, it said, was to "help the gay community rid itself of its subconscious burden of guilt” and promote "meaningful communication between all members of the university community, whether homosexual or heterosexual.”