Church says gay teacher fired by Miami Catholic school

Church officials say a gay schoolteacher has been fired by a Miami Catholic school after marrying her same-sex partner in an apparent violation of church rules.

Archdiocese of Miami officials confirmed to the Miami Herald that first-grade teacher Jocelyn Morffi lost her job at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School on Thursday, the day after she returned from her Florida Keys wedding.

“This weekend I married the love of my life and unfortunately I was terminated from my job as a result,” she wrote on an Instagram post.

Several parents say they were surprised and upset at Morffi's firing. But an archdiocese spokeswoman says Morffi broke her contract under church rules of conduct.

“When they sign the contract, the agreement is to follow policies, procedures and teachings of the Catholic Church. If that contract is broken, that is grounds for dismissal,” a spokesperson for the Archdiocese told 7News.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Florida by a 2015 judicial ruling. Florida does not have a statewide law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. A Miami-Dade County ordinance that protects LGBT residents from discrimination exempts religious institutions from certain provisions.

“It’s ridiculous. It’s 2018,” said parent Christina Lopez. “She married her love who she wants to spend the rest of her life with, It should have nothing to do with her teaching skills.” 

“I truly believe that Jesus’ message is about love and compassion and this is the opposite and that’s very upsetting,” said parent Rochelle Martin.