Gay teacher in Ohio knew engagement would cost job

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — A gay teacher at a Roman Catholic school in Ohio says he knew that announcing his engagement would mean he’d be forced to leave his job.

Brian Panetta says he had hoped to step down as band and choir director at Sandusky Central Catholic School at the end of the school year.

But he says the school forced him to resign last week right after he told administrators about the engagement to another man.

The Catholic Diocese of Toledo says it’s backing the school’s decision “in light of the Church’s clear teaching on sacred marriage.”

The Sandusky Register reports that a group of the school’s alumni has taken to social media to oppose the move and is asking for Panetta to be brought back.