A bill has passed in Tennessee's State Senate banning teachers in the American state's junior schools from "discussing homosexuality in prepared materials or instruction". The legislation was put up by Knoxville's Republican Senator Stacey Campfield, and states that "some subjects are best explained and discussed at home." It applies to teachers from kindergarten through to eighth grade, where students are aged 13 to 14. Passing by 20 votes to 10, the bill isn't likely to become law until next year as the Tennessee House won't consider it until then. Opponents, who have dubbed the bill the "Don't Say Gay Bill," say it will prevent counselling for students who are struggling with their own sexuality, both at home and in the classroom. The bill also includes language that may prevent students from participating in extracurricular clubs or groups without parental permission, which some worry will discourage participation in gay straight alliance groups. A national survey of schools in 2009 found that violence and bullying towards gay students in school was reduced in schools with GSA groups.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 22nd May 2011 - 11:41am