Bill Would Ban Discussion of Gays
Richmond
Times-Dispatch, February 8, 2002
Box 85333, Richmond, VA, 23293-0001
Fax: 804-775-8072 or 775-8090
Email: letters@timesdispatch.com
If you’re gay, some state lawmakers don’t want you to talk about it in
class.
Discussions about homosexuality—even at gay-straight alliance meetings
run by students—would be prohibited.
And school boards’ hands would be tied, should a bill moving smoothly
through the General Assembly win Senate approval.
House Bill 88 forces Virginia school boards to "develop policies
prohibiting presentations, classroom discussions, school-sponsored assemblies
and student meetings" that deal with sodomy and other "crimes
against nature."
The bill passed Monday in the House by a vote of 83-16.
Now, local activists are gearing up for a fight as the bill heads to the
Senate.
Patty Smith of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of
Richmond, said she’s concerned the bill would curtail effective HIV and AIDS
education.
Representatives of local gay organizations and the Virginia Education
Association say the bill goes too far in limiting teachers and school boards.
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