Education Issues

[Soon]

HB 2051
Prohibits the discussion of sexual orientation in public school instruction, material, or extracurricular activity except in scientific instruction on human reproduction

http://www.house.mo.gov/billsummary....ar=2012&code=R

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For the last several years - PROMO, Missouri's statewide LGBT advocacy organization and its allies have worked to advance pro-lgbt legislation, and have seen steady, continuing success.

"Filing this bill is a desperate tactic by frightened, bigoted, cynical individuals who are terrified at the advancement the LGBT community has made in breaking down the barriers to full and equal treatment under the law," said PROMO Executive Director, A.J. Bockelman. "Why else would they file a bill so clearly out of step with the growing trend for fairness in this state when similar legislation filed in Tennessee last year led that state’s legislature to become the object of national ridicule?"

"It’s clear that this proposed bill does absolutely nothing to protect students," continued Bockelman. "In some ways, however, these enemies of Freedom of Speech have done us a favor. By attempting to coerce teachers and students into making this core reality of our lives literally unspeakable, they have only proved why LGBT students need greater, better, and stronger protection in our schools."

Missouri is not the first state to push the so-called "don't say gay" bill. Tennessee advanced similar legislation through multiple votes last year, drawing national ridicule, as well as opposition from their Republican governor, Bill Haslam. Despite that legislation's failure - Tennessee lawmakers introduced a nearly identical bill this session, which was approved by the state House earlier this week.

http://www.thevitalvoice.com/news/50...s/625-breaking