Updated

Students at a Catholic high school in Kentucky took their prom outdoors after administrators barred a same-sex couple from attending, citing the church’s stance on gay relationships.

Hope Decker, 18, and Tiffany Wright, 16, already had bought their dresses for the event but were told by the Lexington Catholic High School on Friday that they could not attend, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

“As a Catholic high school, we uphold every teaching of the Catholic Church,” Steve Angelucci, the president of the school, said. “The policies and procedures of our school reflect those teachings."

Decker and Wright were turned away when they tried to enter the school’s gymnasium the following night. Other students then decided to join them setting up a prom outside, with music playing from car stereos and a table for refreshments.

"We had a wonderful night, and we were surrounded by true friends," Wright told the Lexington Herald-Leader. "I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

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