Former Baptist school center of gay-rights dispute

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) -- A private, historically Baptist Christian
college has sparked a national media firestorm over its successful
women's soccer coach leaving her job shortly after telling members of
her team that she is gay.

Officials at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., issued a press release Dec. 2 saying
Coach Lisa Howe was leaving after six years on the job. Members of the
team said she was told to resign or be fired after revealing that she
and her same-sex partner are expecting a baby in May.

The initial release quoted the athletics director saying Howe "informed
the university of her intent to conclude her employment with Belmont"
and that it was her decision. Another release
the following day said Howe did not "resign" and was not "dismissed."
Acknowledging "inaccuracies" in the first release, officials said Howe's
leaving was by "mutual agreement."