LOUISIANA: Bullying Bill Pulled Because Gay Students Don't Actually Get Bullied

[WillParkinson]

LOUISIANA: Bullying Bill Pulled Because Gay Students Don't Actually Get Bullied

Advocates for LGBT students have pulled their anti-bullying bill from consideration after the Louisiana Family Forum pressured legislators to strip the mention of sexual orientation from the bill. Because being gay does not subject a student to bullying.

In what has become a near annual rite at the Louisiana Legislature, civil rights and gay rights advocates failed Wednesday to win approval for a more detailed and, advocates say, stronger anti-bullying law for public schools. Rep. Pat Smith, D-Baton Rouge, pitched House Bill 407 as necessary, given continued evidence of bullying, including a recent suicide by a Point Coupee teenager who had complained to adults many times about being mistreated by her classmates. Opponents, lead by the conservative Louisiana Family Forum and aides to Gov. Bobby Jindal, argued that the measure went too far by listing perceived or actual characteristics that should not subject a student to bullying. The committee voted 10-5 to strip the bill of those key changes, which included sexual orientation. Smith shelved the measure, saying the action gutted its intent.

Louisiana Family Forum head Pastor Gene Mills: "You could make a criminal bully out of a child who holds an orthodox view of Christianity."

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2012/04/louisiana-bullying-bill-pulled-because.html

[HillWilliam]

1. Hey "Pastor" Mills

You can believe anything you choose to bend your mind to. What you may not do is use "belief" as an excuse or rationalization for vile behavior. That's what you christianists get wrong. ("christianist" being defined as people Christ never knew, but use his name as an excuse to justify doing the devil's own work.)

Without descending into "no true Scotsman" dialog, it seems to be fairly easy for people like me who are somewhat agnostic to tell the difference between people who really do believe and those who say they do. ("Ye shall know them by their fruit...&quot Faith is supposed to be a guidepost for one's own ascent, not a weapon to bludgeon enemies.

"Pastor" Mills, we See you.

[William769]

2. Are they importing their water from Tennessee?

[Behind the Aegis]

3. Apparently, they aren't the only ones to think this way.

Seems we are actually the bullies.

[Laf.La.Dem.]

4. More protection for diaper users!!!

Here in Louisiana we need to protect those that wear diapers - they are bullied more than those gay people!!

My beloved Vitter is always bullied by - Louisiana Family Forum (oops - I mean they support him and his family values)

[msongs]

5. "holding" a religious view is perfect precursor for keeping it to yourself nt

[KamaAina]

6. Has Mills ever heard of "love the sinner, hate the sin"?

Or at least "don't bully the (supposed) sinner"?

Even by fundie standards, suggesting that a belief that homosexuality is wrong compels one to bully is over the top.