My wife brought to my attention last week that a bill was making it’s way through Tennessee’s Senate that prohibits teachers and staff of grades K-8 from discussing anything “gay” related.
Yes, you read that right. Welcome to the south, everyone.
To quote this Knox News article:
As introduced, the bill would have put into law a declaration that it is illegal to discuss any sexual behavior other than heterosexuality prior to the ninth grade.
But when it came before the Senate Education Committee, Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, contended current law already prohibits such instruction by deeming it a misdemeanor to teach any sex education that is not part of the “family life curriculum” adopted by the state Board of Education.
Campfield contends homosexuality is being discussed in classrooms. Spokesmen for the Board of Education and the state Department of Education told the committee they are unaware of any such activity.
This bill has yet to make it to the Full Senate, where, if passed, it would become law. Also, Tennessee already prohibits ANY kind of sex education in grades K-8 – making this even more pointless.
Though, the issue that concerns me isn’t with teaching “gay sex ed” but with the fact that school teachers and staff aren’t allowed to discuss anything “gay-related” at all. If a child needs an adult to talk to about bullying or their own sexuality – they’ll have to look elsewhere.
I encourage you to watch the video above and share your thoughts in the comments below. Here’s to hoping this ridiculous bill doesn’t get any further down the pipeline…
Can’t see the video? Click here.