A local case, that's drawing national attention, got underway on Monday in the federal courthouse in downtown Panama City.

Ponce de Leon High School Student Heather Gillman is suing the Holmes County School Board for not letting her wear pro-gay rights clothing.

Gillman was the first to take the witness stand Monday morning, saying she was told not to wear anything that could be seen as sexual, including shirts she made with the slogan "Equal, Not Special Rights."

Gillman testified for more than an hour.

Ponce de Leon Principal David Davis also took the stand, but for a considerably longer period of time.

Davis apparently told a student not to tell anyone she was gay.

Some of her classmates decided to protest Davis' stance by writing "GP", for ‘Gay Pride’, on the faces and arms, and wearing pro gay rights shirts.

Lawyers questioned Davis for more than four hours about why he wouldn't allow students the students to proclaim their support for gay rights.

Davis testified the clothing was disruptive to the educational process.

Testimony and closing arguments should wrap-up on Tuesday.

Federal Judge Richard Smoak will decide the case, there is no jury.

There is no word as to when he'll render a verdict.