Student leaders at American River College passed a resolution Thursday opposing today's nationally organized demonstration in support of gay rights.

The resolution asserts that "the Day of Silence has been used to silence and harass religious students at local public schools for expressing their viewpoints," and instead calls for a "peaceful discussion of controversial issues instead of intimidation and censorship of opposing viewpoints."

Thursday's vote is not the first time the community college's conservative student government leaders have created controversy by weighing in on social issues.

Last year, the student association leaders made waves when they endorsed Proposition 8, the state ballot measure that halted same-sex marriage. The student council's endorsement of Proposition 8 is believed to be the only such vote at a community college in the state.

In March, student council member Viktor Choban balked at providing seed money for a punk rock show that would raise thousands of dollars for scholarships and textbooks. Choban, who is on the 18-member student council that voted against Day of Silence, said at the time that the bands promote immoral behavior.

Thursday's resolution passed on an 11-5 vote.

Gay rights activists say the argument that Christians are being oppressed by the Day of Silence is ironic. The day was founded to end oppression and abuse of gays.

"Everything they are saying has nothing to do with the Day of Silence," said Daryl Presgraves, a spokesman for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the group organizing the event. "This is about bringing attention to the problem of bullying."

A study that the network conducted in 2007 found that 84 percent of California gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students said they had been verbally harassed over the past year; 40 percent said they had been physically harassed; 19 percent reported they had been physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation.

"It really helps educate other students that things they may be doing or saying may be hurting other people," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California.

"I think it's terrible that anybody would oppose safer schools where all kids, regardless of their sexual identity, are safe," Kors said.

Representatives of the California Family Council, who were not involved in the American River College vote, said organizations should not encourage demonstrations that get in the way of education – even for one day.

"Instructional time for us is very important," said Everett Rice, legislative coordinator for the group. "You go to school to learn."

Choban called the Day of Silence pro-gay propaganda.

Choban said that a few years ago his sister was suspended from San Juan High School on the Day of Silence for wearing a T-shirt with a religious passage on it in protest.

"I'm the victim of this propaganda. This day is meant to silence the Christians," said Choban, who emigrated from Ukraine, like several other American River council members.

"I came here for freedom, and what I got was oppression," he said.

Student representative Michael Makayed – one of five council members who voted against the resolution on Thursday – said the council overstepped its mission.

"I think the whole resolution was uncalled for and unneeded," Makayed said.

Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.