“Don’t Say Gay” Bill Back in Tennessee

Last year, the so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill died because the state assembly adjourned.  Originally sponsored by Rep. Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville), the bill passed the Senate, but died in the House last spring when lawmakers failed to put the bill up for a vote.  The 2011 version of the bill would have allowed students to ask teachers or guidance counselors about “alternative lifestyles,” but outlawed teaching homosexuality as an “acceptable lifestyle.” But like a zombie, the measure returned, with even harsher requirements.

How Does The New Bill Differ?

The bill identified as SB 234, still bars K-8 teachers from discussing any facet of “non-heterosexual” sexuality with children.  But now, it’s even tougher because it has a provision requiring teachers or counselors to rat on some students who identify themselves as LGBT to their parents. The author of the first time and current bill, State Senator Stacey Campfield, a Republican, calls out students who might be “at risk,” but leaves the interpretation of that behavior to the teacher.

Officially titled the “Classroom Protection Act,” it proposes to limit all sexually related instruction to “natural human reproduction science” in kindergarten through eighth grade. “Any such classroom instruction, course materials or other informational resources that are inconsistent with natural human reproduction shall be classified as inappropriate for the intended student audience and, therefore, shall be prohibited.” “The general assembly recognizes that certain subjects are particularly sensitive and are, therefore, best explained and discussed within the home.”

However, the new version of the updated bill makes no mention of homosexuality. It does not prohibit nurses, principals, school counselors or assistant principals from counseling students on the subject of sexuality, sexual orientation of or gender identity or as they put it “behavior injurious to the physical or mental health and well-being of the student.” “Parents or legal guardians of students who receive such counseling shall be notified as soon as practicable that such counseling has occurred.” In other words, the students are being outed.

One Less Place to Turn

Some critics find the bill is superfluous because alternative lifestyle discussions are already banned from the state school’s curricula guidelines. Others fear for the LGBTQ children who may be rejected by their parents and then face depression, even suicide or expulsion from their homes.

Senator Minority Leader Jim Kyle says he believes that the proposal is unnecessary and “puts government into family dynamics.” Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville agreed that Campfield’s measure is intrusive.