Tennessee Passes 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
This is ridiculously troubling for A NUMBER of reasons.
The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that makes it it ILLEGAL to discuss any sexual behavior other than heterosexuality prior to the ninth grade in school classrooms.
The bill was introduced by Republican State Senator Stacey Campfield (pictured above) who had been trying to push the bill — nicknamed the "Don't Say Gay" bill — for six unsuccessful years as a member of the state House. Unfortunately for Tennessee, this time the bill passed by a vote of 6-3, with the three objecting senators being democrats LOGICAL!
Ugh! This is a tragic decision because gay adolescents need the most support at that age, especially in the more intolerant areas of the United States.
For some unlucky teenagers, teachers and guidance counselors are the only place to turn to during puberty for comfort while coping with feelings that too much of society (and the government) rejects.
We really wish politicians would stop trying to push their own family "values", a.k.a. "intolerance", on the rest of the population and are so SAD for Tennessee right now.
Many young gay students may have lost an outlet to find help, while other students may have lost an opportunity to learn to about acceptance before they hit high school.
Since what's done is done, let's hope this bill goes both ways. If discussing homosexuality or saying "gay" is banned from school property, let's hope there will be severe consequences for any students using the word to BULLY gay students.
I don't even have anything else to say.
I'm sickened and ashamed that such a thing could happen in my state.
Way to spread intolerance and ignorance even more in an area that so badly needs to teach acceptance!
You and I are so in agreement on this. I see young, young clients everyday that are afraid to come out.
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