Ellen Page And Julianne Moore's Movie, 'Freeheld,' Ban Proves Prevailing Anti-LGBT Practices Shown By A Survey

A Catholic school decided not to grant a movie starring Ellen Page and Julianne Moore to film on its school grounds because the plot centred on LGBT rights. The crew already obtained permission from Salesian High School in New Rochelle, New York for the filming of "Freeheld," but this decision was reversed after the said school allegedly learned of the movie's theme.

According to Hollywood Reporter, principal John Flaherty changed his mind about letting the Ellen Page and Julianne Moore movie to film on the school grounds after learning that the movie has a LGBT theme. Producer Michael Shamberg claims this is not as if it's the first time for the school to accept shooting projects. The school had already allowed a TV commercial and music video to film at the school. That said, the producer is convinced the principal changed his mind because of the film's subject matter.

The principal, however, told BuzzFeed in indirect terms that the school reversed its decision not because of the LGBT theme. The principal said everyone is welcomed at the school. "Our school chooses to embrace the social issues such as hunger, homelessness, poverty, and helping the less fortunate," the principal shared. Asked for more details, the principal added he would let his initial statement stand for itself.

Ellen Page did not take the decision lightly though. As a lesbian who recently came out of the closet, she thinks the school is practicing bigotry. She took to Twitter to air her sentiments.

Using religion to justify bigotry makes me sad. Sending my support 2 the LGBT students at the school who I hope r able 2 find acceptance.

— Ellen Page (@EllenPage) October 21, 2014

This incident just proves what a survey currently carried out found. According to a study done by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, even though LGBT students have better experiences in schools for the past years, a lot should still be done to end LGBT-related violence and discrimination totally in the field of education. Tremendous progress has been seen since 2011, according to Eliza Byard, executive director of Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network in an interview with Huffington Post. However, many students are still suffering from anti-LGBT violence and discrimination.