[zendawn]

YES, they are over reacting, they are a bunch of 'screaming queens' who have nothing better to do than fight silly little rules, that pander to the prejudices of a certain section of society.
If your male and wear an earring your either a poof or a yob, neither of which command much respect in society.
If your female, weariing an earring is decorative and makes you look attractive so we wouldnt want to stop them wearing them, incase their piercing heals over and they cant get the earrings back in.