ALBUQUERQUE (CN) - A Christian preschool accepted a child and then booted him out when it found that his parents are a gay male couple, the men claim in court.
Joseph Romero and John Keelin sued Hope Christian Schools Inc., in Bernalillo County Court.
They claim the school, in Albuquerque, accepted their 3-year-old son this year, then sent them a denial letter.
"They were even told that a new student packet has been prepared for him and that the school was expecting to get acceptance letters out the following week," the complaint states. "However, shortly after learning this information, plaintiffs received a denial letter on April 16, 2010.
"Upon a further inquiry, the school sent a letter dated June 13, 2012 to plaintiffs' attorney. The letter indicated that the school denied admission to plaintiffs' son because plaintiffs were a same gender couple and that, as a result, their home was inconsistent with the school's beliefs."
The two dads claims that violated the New Mexico Human Rights Act.
They seek equitable relief, including their son's acceptance into the school, and compensatory and punitive damages.
They are represented by Shane Youtz, with Youtz & Valdez.
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