‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Threatens Trusting Relationship Between Educators and Students
By Edward Graham
Last year, Tennessee lawmakers considered passing a controversial bill that would have restricted state elementary and middle school educators and administrators from offering “…any instruction and or material that discusses sexual orientation other than heterosexuality.” The legislation, officially known as the “Classroom Protection Act” but is more commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, received widespread national attention and condemnation as a noxious attempt to marginalize gay and lesbian students. Fortunately, after passing the state Senate, the bill died in the House.Now, state Sen. Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville), one of the original sponsors, has reintroduced the legislation, including an amendment that makes the new bill even worse.
The amendment prohibits “classroom instruction, course materials or other informational resources that are inconsistent with natural human reproduction,” and adds a provision that would force school