MI Senate Legalizes Anti-Gay Bullying
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4QOoy5b5GxGDxHpnHkbxzKA8GbaqafXmoDPAtWX7nogxGDpUcaPDj4oboBINirSLeCt4nLSdLsT7TIUKUYRtP6RNSUjQZOhBmZO2phUo8YFNE1GeFIvyEGN_rmVWjTuTtfk05Q/s200/MichiganMap.jpg)
"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
Labels: bullying, GOP, LGBT youth, Michigan