TENNESSEE: Christianists Push Bill To Legalize Bullying Based On Religion

Here we go again, just like we saw in Michigan. Tennessee's WSMV reports on a new bill that is a "top priority" of the Family Action Council.

A proposal by some state lawmakers is already under fire, even before the legislative session begins. They're considering making a change in the law to allow students to speak out against homosexuality, if that's what their religious beliefs call for. Supporters have said this is about protecting the free-speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality. But gay rights groups are calling the idea a "license to bully." Kelly Fussman is the founder of the No Hate Club at Hendersonville High School.

She says she sees examples of bullying every single day. "I've had a lot of friends bullied for just being who they are, whether it's for their sexuality, their gender identity, their religion," she said. Fussman says she is worried about the bill in the legislature that she believes could make the verbal abuse worse. 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.

 

 

TN Christian Academy Passes Schoolwide Gay Ban to Punish One Gay Student

At least one Rossville, TN, parent is questioning school policy after her child’s school sent an updated note defining its position on homosexuality.

“My initial reaction is that it was specifically aimed at one person, and I felt very sad about that,” said the parent, who did not want to be identified

Rossville Christian Academy is a private 4K-12 school with about 300 students.  The parent believes the school’s “ban” on homosexuality is illegally aimed at one gay student.  The new policy reads:
“Homosexuality is forbidden in scripture (Romans 1:27, Leviticus 18:22).  A staff member or student who promotes, engages in, or identifies himself/herself with such activity through any word or action shall be in violation of this policy.  Should the administration determine a violation of this policy, the person involved will be subject to disciplinary action with the possibility of permanent dismissal.  Any applicant who is not in compliance with this policy will not be admitted.”

We contacted several Rossville Christian Academy board members for interviews, but they either did not return our calls or denied our requests.  The parent we spoke with says she will not go as far as to remove her child from the school at this point, but will continue to question policies.
“If you’re going to single out one thing that you say is a sin, then maybe we have to address every single thing,” she said.