OKEECHOBEE, Fla.—The Okeechobee County School Board decided Oct. 9 that clubs based on sexual orientation are not allowed.

Schools Superintendent Patricia Cooper recommended the change to strengthen the district’s existing policy. Cooper wrote in a memo that the change would “assure that student clubs and organizations do not interfere with the School Board’s abstinence only sex education policy.”

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the district last year over whether the student Gay-Straight Alliance should be allowed to meet at Okeechobee High School. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Yasmin Gonzalez, who graduated last year.

A judge ruled earlier this year the club should be allowed to meet until the lawsuit is settled. The case is expected to be heard in March.