Thanks to Democratic state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer and a shitload of bad national publicity, the religious exemption has been stripped from the anti-bullying bill working its way through the Michigan legislature. But gay groups are
still unsatisfied, as the edited version of the bill does not specifically outlaw bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We are grateful that this legislation moves forward without the license to bully based on an outrageous religious exception, but that said, it won’t be effective,” said Michael Gregor, a spokesman for Equality Michigan, a gay rights group in Detroit that wants vulnerable groups enumerated in the anti-bullying bill. Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, agreed that enumerations would strengthen the bill but said Muslims were still “relieved” that the Senate bill is likely dead.
Stand by for screams of outrage from the usual nutjobs. Michigan is one of only three states with no anti-bullying law.
Labels: bullying, Democrats, Michigan, religion
Thanks to Democratic state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer and a shitload of bad national publicity, the religious exemption has been stripped from the anti-bullying bill working its way through the Michigan legislature. But gay groups are still unsatisfied, as the edited version of the bill does not specifically outlaw bullying based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
