Judge hears lesbian teen's suit to force prom

By SHELIA BYRD Associated Press Writer

ABERDEEN, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi officials who canceled a prom after a lesbian student asked to bring her girlfriend say there were issues with the event even before that.

The American Civil Liberties Union is suing to force the Itawamba County school district to sponsor the prom and allow Constance McMillen to escort her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.

County school officials told a federal judge Monday they had discussed not sponsoring the prom even before McMillen challenged the rule prohibiting same-sex dates.

Schools Superintendent Teresa McNeece and school board Chairman Eddie Hood say they had concerns about liability issues, including possible use of alcohol and drugs.

But they also say they decided to call off the April 2 prom because publicity about McMillen had caused disruptions.