While Mississippi struggles over same-sex prom dates, a Georgia school gives to “go ahead”

Southern states are notoriously red, unapologetically conservative, and not necessarily touted as popular hot spots for social reform.

That being said, it came as no surprise to the nation when a Mississippi school district made national news for cancelling its senior prom rather than letting a young, lesbian bring her partner to the event.

We weren’t surprised, but no less enraged.

Today, an 18-year-old senior at at Bleckley County High School in Cochran, GA has won approval to bring a same-sex date to the school prom.

Derrick Martin says he first sought permission in January to bring his date to the April 17 dance at the school. Bleckley County High requires approval in advance for bringing a prom date from outside the county.

Principal Michelle Masters says there’s no school policy covering the subject of same-sex dates.

County schools superintendent Charlotte Pipkin says the board discussed the matter but did not take a vote.

We’re surprised, but not satisfied.

The fact that our LGBT youth have to ask, beg, and be voted upon criminalizes the fact that they’re in love with someone of the same sex. It sends them yet another message that what they’re doing is wrong, and “not allowed.” Our youth are not criminals, they are not freaks, and they are not threats.

These recent actions are exactly why we need a federal civil rights amendment protecting people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender/gender expression.

This is exactly why we need full federal equality, and we need it now!