Anti-bullying bill shot down in Illinois because the GOP thought it was gay.

[Direckshun]

A pathological fear of homosexuality.

Little more than that.

http://www.suntimes.com/12707687-761...omosexual.html

State Senate rejects anti-bullying bill amid conservative fears it is ‘pro-homosexual’
BY CHRISTOPHER WILLS Associated Press
May 22, 2012 4:56PM

SPRINGFIELD — A push to make Illinois schools adopt more detailed policies to prevent bullying fell short Tuesday in the state Senate amid concerns that its real purpose was to lecture students on embracing homosexuality.

The measure fell one vote short of passage, although it could get another chance in the remaining days of the legislative session.

The bill would have required anti-bullying policies to include a definition of bullying and a statement saying it was against the law. The policies would have spelled out how allegations could be submitted anonymously and how they would be investigated. Policies also would have been required to describe what could happen to students who bully others, such as counseling or community service.

Some conservatives feared the bill would be used as cover to indoctrinate students. The Illinois Family Institute lobbied for an “opt out” provision that would let students and teachers skip any lessons or events that violated their religious beliefs.

“There are some programs that are not just against bullying in general. Some of them tend to have an agenda of being pro-homosexual,” said Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon.

The legislation would not require schools to offer programs on bullying or homosexuality, but McCarter said it would be a step toward such a mandate.

Supporters denied it would open the door to promoting a particular viewpoint on homosexuality or any other issue. They noted it specifically includes language saying the bill isn’t meant to interfere with anyone’s freedom of speech or freedom of religion.

Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said it would make no sense to include an “opt out” provision because there’s nothing specific for students to skip. The bill requires schools to adopt more detailed policies, she said, but it doesn’t require particular lessons or assemblies.

The measure needed 30 votes to pass but got only 29, with 12 senators voting “no” and 12 voting “present.” Steans said some supporters were absent, so she’s optimistic it could pass if called for another vote.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by blaise

I can't speak for each person's motives.

They're speaking for their own motives.

Re-read the OP.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Ima weetawd.

Originally Posted by Direckshun

He said the Republicans claim the video could violate their religious beliefs.

My point stands.

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

He said the Republicans claim the video could violate their religious beliefs.

My point stands.

'My point stands. You just didn't actually say what I claimed you said."

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

You lost me.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by blaise

'My point stands. You just didn't actually say what I claimed you said."

I'm not the one turning a blind eye to blatant homophobia.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

You lost me.

Obviously, but blaise beat me to it.

Originally Posted by blaise

'My point stands. You just didn't actually say what I claimed you said."

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

They're speaking for their own motives.

Re-read the OP.

I'm not sure what point you think you're making. You were waiting for me to admit that some Republican was probably using homophobia to shoot this down? Um, ok.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Obviously, but blaise beat me to it.

Still lost.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by blaise

I'm not sure what point you think you're making. You were waiting for me to admit that some Republican was probably using homophobia to shoot this down? Um, ok.

Not probably.

Definitely.

Sounds like you're at peace with it, though.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Crap, I’m busted.

FYP because that’s what pretty much everyone just read.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

FYP because that’s what pretty much everyone just read.

If you want to summarize in what way I've supposedly been de-pantsed, I would appreciate it.

Because I'm seriously lost.

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

I'm not the one turning a blind eye to blatant homophobia.

No, you'll just ignore the fact that some parents may be legitimately concerned about the nature of the message, and say that an opt-out is fueled by some sort of homophobic hate.
I can see how you're much better.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by blaise

No, you'll just ignore the fact that some parents may be legitimately concerned about the nature of the message, and say that an opt-out is fueled by some sort of homophobic hate.
I can see how you're much better.

I don't see any parents in the OP. I just see an anti-gay organization and the Illinois GOP standing behind homophobia to stand up to an anti-bullying bill that apparently has nothing to do with homosexuality.

There's no two ways about it. There has been no other explanation offered other than an obsession over scary gay people.

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

Not probably.

Definitely.

Sounds like you're at peace with it, though.

That's an amazing point you're making.

That's like me saying, "I'm waiting for Direckshun to admit that Democrats falsely accuse others of racism to deflect criticism of Obama."

[blaise]

Originally Posted by Direckshun

I don't see any parents in the OP. I just see an anti-gay organization and the Illinois GOP standing behind homophobia to stand up to an anti-bullying bill that apparently has nothing to do with homosexuality.

There's no two ways about it. There has been no other explanation offered other than an obsession over scary gay people.

I see a group that wants an opt-out provision and another that wants to force them to hear a certain message. One position seems more reasonable to me.