Gay dance teacher quits due to allegedly homophobic parents

(ANSA) - Perugia, October 23 - A gay dance teacher in the Umbrian town of Passignano sul Trasimeno quit his job after parents wrote to the principal in a veiled act of homophobia, the Mario Mieli gay rights organization said Thursday.
    The parents allegedly wrote the school principal a letter saying the teacher "wasn't qualified for the job", even though he has 12 years' dance experience and five years' teaching experience. The teacher was certain homophobia was the motive behind the letter. "It is unthinkable that in 2014 parents can veto a teacher based on his or her sexual orientation," said Mario Mieli President Andrea Maccarrone.
    "The story of this teacher...who was driven from his job by sordid and discriminatory mutterings, points to the need for reflection on the issue of rights," said Democratic Party (PD) Umbria secretary, Giacomo Leonelli.