Bill would allow speaking out on homosexuality for religion

Reported by Cara Kumari
Jan 03, 2012
http://www.wsmv.com/story/16438732/bill-would-allow-speaking-out-on-homosexuality-for-religion

[State lawmakers are] considering making a change in the law to allow students to speak out against homosexuality, if that’s what their religious beliefs call for. . . .

The proposal would alter the state’s anti-bullying laws to allow students to speak their religious and political views against homosexuality without punishment as long as the student isn’t threatening harm or damaging property. . . .

“This kind of legislation can send a message that it’s ok to hate and we’ll even give you religious sanction for it. You can say what you want. As long as you say it’s for religious reasons, you’ve got backup,” said Chris Sanders, with Tennessee Equality Project. . . .

The bill is a top priority for the conservative Family Action Council, which on its website says its intent is to clarify that unpopular beliefs don’t constitute bullying. . . .

Students like Fussman say Middle Tennessee has already seen one gay teen commit suicide after he was reportedly bullied at school, and she worries that number could grow if this bill passes. . . .

http://queerty-prodweb.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/docs/2011/05/tennesee_hell.jpg

I wonder if they’d also allow other religiously motivated hate-crimes.

I wonder how they propose dealing with the suicides, like we recently have had in this area, that this hazing that they are proposing to allow causes.

dougsmith - 04 January 2012 10:48 AM

I wonder if they’d also allow other religiously motivated hate-crimes.

Only if they are aimed at non-christians.

Occam

That’s a rather worrisome step.