Catholic Diocese Bars Gay Alum From Graduation Speech

Even with students and faculty members on his side, a Michigan Catholic diocese says an alumnus of a Catholic high school will not be allowed to speak at an upcoming graduation ceremony because he is gay.

BY Michelle Garcia

April 29 2012 2:20 AM ET

An alumnus of a Catholic high school in Michigan who was supposed to speak at his alma mater's graduation recently learned that his invitation was revoked once school administrators learned that he is gay.

New York City-based actor Dominic Sheahan-Stahl was to speak at Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., where he graduated in 1998. His youngest brother William is also in this year's graduating class.

Principal Denny Starnes announced Friday that he supports the actor, but must abide by the Catholic diocese's decision to bar Sheahan-Stahl from speaking at the commencement ceremony. William said that the student body expressed support toward his brother, as well. Sheahan-Stahl said he plans to still attend the graduation to support his brother, and he told theSaginaw News that he will give his address at Central Michigan University on May 20 after the gradation ceremony.

Watch Sheahan-Stahl's video about the incident below: