Antonio Statement on Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Policy Change

Today, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement regarding recent policy changes from the Cleveland Catholic Diocese regarding LGBTQ+ students.

“I am extremely disappointed that the diocese has chosen to focus on policies of exclusion over acceptance,” said Antonio. “At a time when the state has expanded funding to religious education institutions through vouchers, the diocese should focus on educating all our children. Instead, they have chosen to police bathrooms, prevent expressive flags and block students from attending dances together. State taxpayer dollars should not subsidize exclusionary education, and if these policies stand, then the diocese should not accept state-funded vouchers.”

Policy changes from the diocese include:

• No ability to use gender-affirming care while in the schools.
• No “advocating or celebrating” LGBTQ+ community, including displaying the pride flag or rainbows.
• No same-sex couples at dances or “similar events.”.
• Only single-sex sports teams
• There will also be a parental notification if a child is questioning their gender.

“These policies will have very real and harmful impacts on our students,” said Antonio. “LGBTQ+ children deserve to be loved, affirmed, accepted and supported as their authentic selves. All children should see adults model love, acceptance and compassion for those from marginalized communities.”

Find the full list of policy changes here.