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Gay Alumnus Won't Be Allowed to Speak at Graduation

Posted: 7:08 PM Apr 27, 2012
Reporter: Associated Press

An aspiring actor and graduate of a Michigan Catholic school will not be allowed to speak at next month's senior class commencement because he is openly gay.
The Mount Pleasant Morning Sun and The Saginaw News report Friday that the offer to Dominic Sheahan-Stahl was withdrawn.
Principal Denny Starnes and some on the staff learned Sheahan-Stahl was gay after seeing engagement photos on Facebook.
The 1998 graduate says he still will attend the May 20 ceremony where his youngest brother will graduate.
Starnes said Friday that he supports Sheahan-Stahl but will abide by the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw's decision.
The diocese later said in a statement that the invitation to speak and its rescinding "were done independently" of the Catholic Schools office or the office of the bishop.