Gay Glendora Catholic School Teacher Fired After Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony

An online petition demanding St. Lucy’s Priory to give fired gay teacher Ken Bencomo his job back has been circulating following his firing from the all-girls Catholic high school in Glendora earlier this month.

The petition, initiated by former St. Lucy’s student Brittany Littleton, alleges that Bencomo, 45, was fired from his position as a teacher and the head of the school’s English department after the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin published photos of his July 1 wedding to his longtime partner Christopher Pensky, 32, in a civil ceremony at the San Bernardino County Hall of Records.

In the petition, Littleton describes Bencomo, who had taught at St. Lucy’s for 17 years, as “a beloved mentor, confidant, and educator. His passion for teaching, as well as his witty personality, have made him a favorite teacher among many students.”

The petition currently has more than 2,000 supporters.

Bencomo’s attorney Patrick McGarrigle told the Daily Bulletin that the school had known about Bencomo’s sexual orientation for years, but fired the teacher after he made his relationship with his partner public.

St. Lucy’s officials have declined to comment on Bencomo’s firing, but issued a written statement: “As a Benedictine school, St. Lucy's is a community for those who wish to express Christian values in education and develop person and academic excellence.”

What do you think about Ken Bencomo’s firing from St. Lucy’s Priory? Do you think he should get his job back? Tell us in the comments below.