MI Senate Legalizes Anti-Gay Bullying

Michigan's state Senate has passed an anti-bullying law which contains a GOP mandated exemption for bullying which has a "religious or moral basis." And that has infuriated the father of the dead child for whom the bill is named.

"Matt's Safe School Law" passed 26-11 with all Democrats voting against it. The bill is named for Matt Eppling, an East Lansing 14-year-old who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates in 2002. The law includes a section noting it doesn't abridge First Amendment free speech rights or prohibit expression of religious or moral viewpoints — a provision Democrats fear could be used to justify harassment of gay, lesbian or transgender students. "I am ashamed that this could be Michigan's bill on anti-bullying when in fact it is a 'bullying is OK in Michigan law,'" Kevin Eppling, Matt's father, whose letter was read by Sen. Glenn Anderson during Wednesday's session.

VIDEO: Towleroad tips us to the outraged response by one Michigan Democrat. "You have explicitly outlined how to get away with bullying!" WATCH THIS.


UPDATE: Readers suggest sending emails of gratitude to Sen. Whitmer: sengwhitmer@senate.michigan.gov