Stop Tennessee’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill from Advancing

Petitions, Politics — By Melanie Sue on February 19, 2012 7:01 am

Target: Rep. Richard Montgomery, chair of Tennessee’s House Education Committee

Goal: Stop a bill that would ban teachers from discussing homosexuality in school until students are in 9th grade.

This week, the Tennessee House Education subcommittee passed a bill banning teachers from discussing homosexuality in the classroom before students are in high school. This is just the first hurdle the bill will need to jump in the Tennessee House of Representatives, but the fact that it has passed in the subcommittee at all is cause for concern.

Under the bill, discussions of homosexuality would not be allowed in any Tennessee elementary or middle schools. The bill has also been amended to allow only the teaching of “natural human reproductive science.” Supporters of the bill argue that it would give parents the right to educate their children under their own beliefs. The hope for this piece of legislation is that it will curb homosexuality in adolescents because they will not be exposed to it.

However, this bill is clearly problematic and illogical. Sexuality is not a choice, and homosexuality cannot be prevented by attempting to keep it a secret. Instead, it stigmatizes homosexuality and will only make it more difficult for young people to come out safely and comfortably. Legislation like this breeds a culture of hate and homophobia. It promotes the idea that people who are not heterosexual are not normal and not equal.

Sign the petition to send to Rep. Richard Montgomery, chair of the House Education Committee that will soon be voting on this measure.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Rep. Richard Montgomery,

The recent House Education subcommittee’s passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was disappointing and unacceptable. Banning the discussion of homosexuality in the classroom teaches students homophobia and shame—and contrary to the arguments of supporters, it will not curb homosexuality.  Sexuality is not a choice and no identity should not be stigmatized in the education system.

Attempting to discourage homosexuality by not talking about is illogical and hurtful to many people, especially in the wake of countless young suicides caused by bullying and intolerance. Measures like this one promote the idea that if you are not heterosexual, you are not equal.

Please make sure this bill does not advance and vote against it in the House Education committee. We should be teaching our students acceptance and love, not fear and ignorance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]