Mark Richards, a music teacher at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie, Louisiana, was fired after a parent's complaint revealed his same-sex marriage. His termination raised concerns about the enforcement of a morality clause that prohibits behaviors contrary to Catholic doctrine, including homosexuality. Although the school community had been supportive of Richards, the revelation concerning an obituary for his deceased husband led to his dismissal after 21 years of service. Richards argued that he had been compliant with the contract and that no misconduct had occurred during his tenure.
Richards stated that he had been dismissed from his teaching role for being a gay man, citing the morality clause of his employment contract.
Despite a long tenure at St. Francis Xavier school, Richards' employment was ended after a parent alerted officials about his husband’s obituary.
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