January 16, 2008

Committee Approves Anti-Bullying Bill For Schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky House Education Committee has unanimously approved an anti-bullying bill for schools.

It would require school districts to design policies to deal with bullies, but critics say that could lead to the teaching of homosexuality.

Critics say the bill could lead to the teaching of homosexuality.

Senate President David Williams - a Republican from Burkesville - said he hasn't read it, but said there's concern about whether the bill could be -- in his words -- "an excuse for the addition of curriculum dealing with aberrant behavior.

Jordan Palmer of the gay rights group Kentucky Equality Federation said Williams is homophobic and says the bill would only promote tolerance of other viewpoints.

Anti-Bullying Bill Approved

Bowling Green -- The Kentucky House Education Committee had unanimously approved an anti-bullying bill for schools.

It would require school districts to design policies to deal with bullies, but critics say that could lead to the teaching of homosexuality.

Senate President David Williams, a Republican from Burkesville, said he has not read it, but said there is concern about whether the bill could be, in his words, "an excuse for the addition of curriculum dealing with aberrant behavior.

Jordan Palmer of the gay rights group Kentucky Equality Federation says Williams is homophobic and says the bill would only promote tolerance of other viewpoints.

Kentucky examines its options against school bullying. One Republican fears protections would increase "aberrant behavior".

The AP reports that some Kentucky legislators want an anti-bullying bill for their schools.

The House Education Committee unanimously approved such a resolution, but conservative Senate President David Williams is concerned that the bill could be - in his words - "an excuse for the addition of curriculum dealing with aberrant behavior." Williams admits he has not yet read the bill.

The gay rights group - Kentucky Equality Federation - is a major supporter of the effort.

New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts are analyzing their school environments for homophobic behavior. California sent shock waves throughout the region when it enacted the Student Civil Rights Bill. And recently, an entire school in Nova Scotia showed its support for a bullied classmate by wearing pink t-shirts to classes.

Committee Approves Anti-Bullying Bill For Schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- The Kentucky House Education Committee had unanimously approved an anti-bullying bill for schools.

It would require school districts to design policies to deal with bullies, but critics say that could lead to the teaching of homosexuality.

Senate President David Williams - a Republican from Burkesville - said he hasn't read it, but said there's concern about whether the bill could be -- in his words -- "an excuse for the addition of curriculum dealing with aberrant behavior.

Jordan Palmer of the gay rights group Kentucky Equality Federation says Williams is homophobic and says the bill would only promote tolerance of other viewpoints.

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