Gay-themed play at school canceled - Nation - Brief Article

National Catholic Reporter, Jan 25, 2002 by Gill Donovan

The curtain will not rise on "Breaking the Code" at Lansing Catholic Central High School as scheduled after Lansing's bishop objected to the homosexual content of the Lansing Civic Players production.

Michael Diebold, Lansing's diocesan director of communication, said Lansing Bishop Carl F. Mengeling withdrew permission for the performance to be held at Lansing Catholic Central because of the play's homosexual theme and subject matter.

"Breaking the Code" is based on the true story of Alan Turing, a British-born mathematician who helped break Nazi codes during World War II. Turing was a closet homosexual who was charged and later convicted on moral charges in the early 1930s.

"The decision was made not to have it performed at Lansing Catholic Central due to the theme subject and content of the play," Diebold said.

He added that the involvement in the production of a gay rights group called the Michigan Triangle Foundation "was not only an embarrassment to the diocese but an affront to the Catholic school teachings."

The play, which was nominated for three Tony Awards, was set to be performed at Lansing Catholic Central in late January.

Although there is currently no production review process by the diocese, Diebold said he believes the current situation will result in the development of one if the partnership with Lansing Civic Players continues.

Beverly Gross, president of the Lansing Civic Players, did not respond to requests for comment from The Catholic Weekly, Lansing's diocesan newspaper.