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from Gay Activism in the Schools
Canadian Teacher's Suspension
Upheld by Court
A high price is paid for a letter-to-the-editor
The following announcement by NARTH member Chris Kempling explains the
result of his appeal of an earlier suspension by his professional governing
body, The College of Teachers.
On February 3, 2004, I finally received the judgment in my case with the
British Columbia College of Teachers.
I had been disciplined for writing letters to the editor which were critical of
homosexual activists trying to have their agenda implemented in BC public
schools. I appealed to the Supreme Court of BC, as the College was unable to
find any evidence that my public comments had caused any harm or disturbance to
the school system, but they suspended me for a month anyway. Unfortunately,
Justice Ronald Holmes has just decided that the College of Teachers was correct
to suspend me for "conduct unbecoming a member," despite the lack of evidence.
Justice Holmes speculated that my publicly-expressed opinions would cause
disruption to the school system, negatively impact my effectiveness and
reputation as a school counselor, and dissuade students of homosexual
orientation from speaking with me. The College was unable to supply any evidence
that these inferences were true, but Justice Holmes stated that they were
reasonable inferences, nonetheless.
He ignored the reference letters from my supervisors (five of them), who all
stated that my public letters had no discernible effect on the school. He
ignored evidence that homosexual students received impartial and professional
service from me. And he discounted evidence that my public reputation remained
intact (e.g. being appointed Chairman of the Community Health Council by the
Minister of Health, a very responsible position requiring oversight of 500
health care professionals and support staff).
Obviously, I am quite disappointed by the decision, but recognize that the
current zeitgeist means that any commentary against homosexual behavior is very
likely to be negatively sanctioned. I should also mention that I have been under
investigation by my superiors at the school district for advertising
orientation-change therapy services in another community 75 miles away, as part
of my private practice. I am still trying to figure out why my supervisors
believe they have the right to investigate what I do in my private practice, but
frankly, everything I do is under scrutiny.
I do intend to soldier on, however, and have launched an appeal with the BC
Court of Appeal (a three-judge panel). As you might expect, this will be costly.
For those who are willing to support a colleague, donations may be made to the
Christian Public School Teachers' Legal Defense Fund, c/o Mr. Jim Sagert,
Trustee, 798 Beaubien Ave, Quesnel, BC V2J 1A6.
I have just completed my Psy.D. degree and look forward to assisting those who
are distressed by unwanted same-sex attraction in my part of the country. I was
so impressed by the superlative workshops at the recent NARTH conference in
Salt Lake City, I decided to become proactive in addressing the matter here. But
worthy goals don't necessarily mean easy roads. I appreciate the support of
NARTH members in my time of difficulty, and encourage you to continue with this
very important work.
Chris Kempling
Quesnel, BC
Updated: 8 February 2008
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