A Houston-area mother and her two daughters announced in court Monday that they've reached a deal on where the teenagers should go to school.
LaKeena Green, 17, and Nikki Green, 16, told News2Houston that their religious faith played a role in their decision to run away from their Missouri City home back in June, but it wasn't their main reason. They said that they believe their mother's homosexuality is wrong.
The teenagers' mother, Kimla Green, said that her daughters have been brainwashed into thinking her lifestyle is wrong by the teachings of a local church.
State District Judge Lisa Millard was expected to decide if the teenagers would be allowed to make their own decisions on where to go to school and live, but instead agreed to move the case to Fort Bend County where the family lives.
Green said that she and her daughters have reached a compromise.
"My agreement is not to show any type of homosexual lifestyle in front of my kids or to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable concerning the gay lifestyle," Green said.
She said that it was not a tough decision, because she loves her daughters.
"I'd rather see them with me, because my kids will always be there," Green said. "Relationships may come and go, but my girls will always be my daughters and that means a lot more to me than anything."
The deal also calls for the girls not to cut off ties with the Body of Christ Ministry.
Green has filed an interference with custody report against the church her daughters were attending.
The teenagers have been staying with relatives, but have agreed to come home with their mother.
A Fort Bend County judge still needs to approve the deal reached by both parties.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Houston chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays said that the court should do whatever it takes to keep the family together.
"This isn't necessarily about approval," PFLAG board member Clarence Bagby said. "It's about love, and tolerance, and understanding, and realizing that your love for your family members supercedes all else."
No charges have been filed in the case. But charges of harboring a runaway are possible, according to the Missouri City Police Department.