US parents sue school over same-sex fairy tale

BOSTON - Two families have filed a lawsuit against a Massachusetts town and its public school system after a teacher read a gay-themed fairy tale to children without notifying them first.

The suit against Lexington, 19km west of Boston, seeks unspecified damages after the book King & King was read to a classroom of about 20 mostly seven-year-olds.

It is believed the first of its kind, the families' lawyers said.

The compaint said the school had "begun a process of intentionally indoctrinating very young children to affirm the notion that homosexuality is right and normal in direct denigration of the plaintiffs' deeply held faith".

It also charges that Lexington broke a 1996 Massachusetts law requiring that parents be notified of sex-education lessons.

Ash said the school was under no legal obligation to inform parents the book would be read.

"This school district is committed to a welcoming environment for all kids. We embrace the diverse nature of the community," he said.

King & King tells the story of a crown prince who rejects a bevy of beautiful princesses, rebuffing each suitor until falling in love with a prince.

The two marry, sealing the union with a kiss, and live happily ever after.

Ash has said reading the book was not intended as sex education but as a way to educate children about the world in which they live, especially in Massachusetts, the only US state where gays and lesbians can legally wed.

It was read during a lesson on different types of weddings.

- REUTERS