Anti-bullying bill, sans ‘gay’ language, fails in full House
The full House of Representatives Thursday jumped over dozens of bills up for debate and went directly to a controversial bullying bill, gutting language in the legislation that would have expanded the existing state anti-bullying law to include protections based on sexual orientation. Despite the watering down of the bill, it still failed final passage by a 53-43 margin.
House Bill 112, known as the “Safe Schools Bill,” was filed by Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans. It made it out of the House Education Committee last week by an 8-4 vote following impassioned exchanges between Badon and opponents of the bill led by social-conservative groups Louisiana Family Forum and the Baptist Convention.
Thursday morning House members approved amendments to Badon's bill filed by Reps. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite, and Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport. The amendments killed references to “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, physical characteristic, political persuasion, mental disability, or physical disability, as well as attire or association with others identified by such categories.”
Debate about the bill was passionate and, at times, shrill. Edwards, considered a rising star in the state Democratic party, insisted he wasn’t “carrying water for the [Louisiana] Family Forum.”
But it was Seabaugh who led the charge for the agents of intolerance: “This bill was intended to promote an agenda and force teaching alternative lifestyles to our children,” Seabaugh insisted. “Every person who testified [on behalf of the bill] was either gay or testifying on behalf of someone who is gay, so let’s not delude ourselves about the intent of this bill.” Seabaugh later added, “This language [in the bill] is straight out of the lesbian, gay, transgender playbook.”
Following the approval of the amendments, the bill’s sponsor sounded resigned yet frustrated. “It’s a sad day in Louisiana,” Badon told his fellow lawmakers. “We have the authority and the power to address this issue. It’s a sad day when we won’t stand up and help the parents. For us to sit here and say that the conservative, religious right is going to dictate to us how we’re going to vote, I’m embarrassed by that. You should be ashamed of that. ...You got sidetracked folks — you got sidetracked. You had the old okey-doke pulled on you. ...We turned this issue into something completely different than what it was.”
Lafayette Reps. Page Cortez, a Republican, Rickey Hardy, a Democrat, and independent Joel Robideaux voted in favor of the bill, as did Carencro Democrat Bobby Badon. Rep. Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette, voted against it.
... written by realitycheck , May 19, 2011 - 04:25 pm
intended to promote an agenda and force teaching alternative lifestyles to our children,”
No, thanks! Enough of that on tv!
... written by JoCo , May 19, 2011 - 04:56 pm
Yes, it is a very sad day in Louisiana. Regardless of your religious views, why would one be willing to fight so hard against the rights and protection of others? I'm thankful that I do not have such hate in my heart.
... written by JoCo , May 19, 2011 - 05:18 pm
This bill was not intended to promote or force teachings of anything. The main purpose is to protect those who are constantly bullied.
... written by James Melancon , May 19, 2011 - 05:20 pm
So bullying aka being a jerk is illegal? Being polite is always the best but how do you define bullying? These are completely unconstitutional.
... written by yesidoknow , May 19, 2011 - 05:36 pm
This is one more reason to shorten legislative sessions to an hour and a half. Who votes against protecting people from violence? Answer: Louisiana. Stop those roosters from fighting, but let the humans go at it, even if it's a mismatch.
... written by Joseph 42 , May 19, 2011 - 06:51 pm
Alan Seabaugh is a charlatan of the worst kind. His job is should be to protect ALL citizens of Louisiana. I love Louisiana, but left in 1998 and will never return to live there until this BS stops.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , May 19, 2011 - 06:56 pm
the legislators want to reserve some peeps for their redneck constituients to badger, as rednecks have no one they can demean unless they're allowed to regard a persons sexual orientation as indicative of a lower status quo.
... written by Fellix , May 19, 2011 - 07:16 pm
>So bullying aka being a jerk is illegal?
Apparently you were never bullied.
... written by DanK , May 19, 2011 - 07:32 pm
People, kids are committing suicide over the issues this bill would have helped to stop. The only thing this would have taught was that there are consequences to bulling someone to the point that they feel their only out is death. The bill originally listed very high risk groups without excluding any child. Let's not delude ourselves, the bill was killed because the religious right got a hold of the words "sexual orientation" and used them to kill the bill. Essentially Louisiana has told our kids to toughen up and take it no matter how bad it is. This and those who agree with the decision, sicken me.
... written by Barbara J. Conner , May 19, 2011 - 07:57 pm
Good reporting, fast.
... written by Katie Murphy , May 19, 2011 - 08:01 pm
Welcome to the religious extremists in the south. Who babble about protecting life, but don't give a damn about the (real number) 2000 to 3000 gay kids who are driven to suicide every year.
These people are murderers, little different then those like hitler, who only killed one person by his own hand in WWII, His words got others to murder 55 million.
Some parts of christianity are the curse of humankind even more so then Islam
... written by Katie Murphy , May 19, 2011 - 08:09 pm
BTW we should look at the Family Research council, one of the most virulent hate groups in America.
Tony Perkins, the head of it is involved with David Duke, a known Kluxer
Peter Spriggs never admits he is a baptist minister -the people whose religious culturs was the bullwark of slavery and then gave us the KKK and segregation. And now , in the name of God, also hate gays
George Reker, founder of the FRC was recently caught hiring a male Prostitute escort - one Jo-Vanni Roman to go on a vacation trip with him to Europe, to, in Jo-Vannis words, massage his private parts.
the cost of this rentboy.com, based on this website, for a 2 week vacation, is $10,000 to $20,000.
Its almost always this way. The worst of the worrst are gays in denial. Driven by their own ideology to hate themselves and compensate by throwing this hatred out on other.s
Many other examples - Rep Foley, Sen Larry Craig, Minister Ted Haggard etc BTw, after getting outed twice by two different male prostitutes, Haggard has finally come clean, and now supports gay marriage.
One has to feel sorry for his wife, just another of the victims
... written by James Melancon , May 19, 2011 - 08:36 pm
written by Fellix "Apparently you were never bullied." ------
Of course I have but that does not mean there should be a law. This law is ill defined and goes against Freedom of Speech. What's next? Will it be a crime to think bad thoughts? Will someone go to jail because of a dirty look?
... written by dixie , May 19, 2011 - 08:59 pm
I hope the representatives that voted against it will find out one day, via a child or grandchild, what bullying is really all about. KARMA doesn't whip with a small switch.
... written by Matthew , May 19, 2011 - 09:08 pm
As a Californian, it amazes me how backwards some parts of the country still are. Anti-bullying is common sense, it doesn't "indoctrinate" anyone --- get out of here with that ignorance.
... written by John M , May 19, 2011 - 09:48 pm
Once again, the pig-ignorant voices of Louisiana have spoken up. Look at this clown, James Melancon, above, who thinks its perfectly alright for one student to harass, beat, abuse, and intimidate other students. I'm counting the days until I can get our of Louisiana, and away from these crypto-fascist, football-obsessed, illiterate, backwoods, inbred, hate-filled cretins.
... written by jazzpop , May 19, 2011 - 11:27 pm
Long for the days when religious nut-cakes were refered to as the lunatic fringe. What has happened to us? Never felt this way before, but I'm urging my own bright, educated kids to get the hell out of here. The world is too big a place with too many options and opportunities to settle for this. Good food and joi d'vivre just don't compensate anymore.
... written by sameolesameole... , May 19, 2011 - 11:53 pm
no..It is true...I've been in the same room when it has occurred. Gay - lesbian members trying their god awful damndest to push their agenda's down someone's throat. Personally I don't care two hoots if someone is gay or lesbian but then in the same spirit...they best not try to force their bs on me or my children. But the are not satified to just be who they are....they want everyone to be like them and to have the same sentiments as they do. And here's the reason: next comment
... written by noname123 , May 20, 2011 - 12:15 am
How in the name of Zeus do you passionately oppose this bill, Alan Seabaugh?? Somebody needs to teach this worthless pile of dung that little kids are BORN gay, just like they are born white, black, or orange; just like they are born with no limbs; just like they are born with facial defects; just like twins are born stuck together.
He needs to get his head out of that ridiculous fairy tale he calls the bible and get with the frigging picture.
10 bucks says Seabaugh has a secret gay lover.
... written by sameolesameole... , May 20, 2011 - 12:20 am
The adore themselves so much that they must spread their way in every part of society. Homosexuality was at one time classified as a disease. That was about as accurate as saying alcoholism is a disease. In both cases...it is a life choice, 99 percent of the time. Just don't try to push it on the school systems.
... written by noname123 , May 20, 2011 - 12:41 am
And, as a constituent of Nancy Landry, I demand that she provide specific, written reasons why she opposed this bill. We did not send you there to get reelected! We sent you there to help people in our community who need it. And who needs it more than the 12 year old little gay kid who is getting picked on constantly by a group of evil little 12 year old boys. Put yourself in that little kid's shoes.
Nancy, you have let us down.
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , May 20, 2011 - 01:05 am
A male person who would bully gay males is seriously in doubt of his masculinity, these macho men physically abuse their wives in drunken rages, this is their way of stroking their, frail egos, oh yeah i FORGOT TO SAY, THESE YAHOOS MAKE GREAT PUNCHIN BAGS
... written by Joseph 42 , May 20, 2011 - 01:50 am
Freedom, equality, freedom of religion, and freedom from government are American values! These radicals that are taking over faith are dangerous to America.
... written by phil , May 20, 2011 - 02:30 am
john m: you should abandon ship--i did four years ago, and it's truly better elsewhere. not that big cities or the west/east cost are bastions of reason (or "liberalism", which conservatives and many others use pejoratively nowadays), but compared with the backwater, 2+2=5, xenophobic land-crawlers that inhabit Louisiana, it's a step up.
Katie Murphy: since all those devout (DEVOUTLY devout), dedicated, hardcore, sitting-in-judgement-of-others, sacrosanct politicians, pundits and regular citizens are going to be raptured on Saturday (end of the world, right?) and the world won't actually be destroyed until Oct 21, we'll have five months of peace, MidEast tranquility, economic prosperity and ubiquitous tolerance to relish. Oh sh*(t, I'm wrong. we'll still have all those Christians to deal with.
WOKKA!
... written by Joseph 42 , May 20, 2011 - 02:49 am
How about Susan Smith and the woman who just killed her son and the thousands of others who commit crimes against their own flesh and blood! This is not about sick murderous behavior of fhe few radicals. It is about basic Christian principles of justice, and the value of all God's creation.
... written by BoFred , May 20, 2011 - 03:00 am
WHAT ABOUT KIDS WHO ARE NOT GAY, BUT ARE BULLIED AND CALLED GAY???? An 11 yr old took his life because he was teased & bullied and he wasn't even gay. Its called bullying and it seems as if members of the church, and a lot of Baptists, are bullies themselves! Where is Christian love for fellow man? No one, gays included, should be allowed to be hurt. Who are these people and who are these spineless legislators who are afraid of those religious bullies? God bless ya'll cause you really need it! Just like black don't rub off, gay don't rub off. Shame on you!
... written by phil , May 20, 2011 - 03:08 am
Politics, or at least politicians, aren't concerned with what normal people would consider sensible or reasonable--it's only about pandering to large-contribution donors, placating the desires of the most well-funded lobbyists, and convicing the citizens of their state/district/whatever to vote for them. The way they do the last one is by involving themselvs in so-called "hot button" issues--those which titilate people's emotions.
Because when people make decitions based on emotion they generally act against their own self-interest. E.g., in a fit of ire one may desire to run into the car in front of them that's been idling at a green light for three seconds... My gut says do it, but my brain realizes the eventual cost in money and time this would cause ME, so I don't.
Those are easy and evident consdequences. It's not as blatant, however, that certain issues which we are made to argue about distract us from the fact that we are being robbed, both of rights and resources.
We have so many fundamental and iminent problems that we (and by "we" I mean "we" as US citizens--we middle and lower class denizens, irrespective of party affiliation or ideology subscription) should not be bickering over social issues such as these (not that they're not important--they are). That's why it's easy to get enmeshed in the conversation--the topics appeal to our sense(s) of emotion, and quash our sense of reason.
Let's take our political leaders to task over why they insist on cutting benefits to the middle/lower classes (what was formerly known as "America") just to maintain tax breaks for the insanely wealthy. Or why we spend so much on foreign aid and our military while our own infrastructure and economy lies in shambles. How about that we're roughtly14th globally in math/reading/science?
Until they right our societal and economic structure, though, why should we care? If I'm losing sleep every night because I don't gett home until 2 a.m. when my second job's shift ends and then toss and turn because I have $30 grand in medical bills, why to I give two fiddler's farts about what the governemtn choses to qualify Gary and Steve as for tax purposes?
It's "The Wizard of Oz" and we're expected not to pay attention to the man behind the curtain.
... written by sameolesameole... , May 20, 2011 - 03:24 am
There is only one way to deal with a bully. That is for the victim to immediately smack the bully squarely in the nose as hard as possible. This should be the law. Otherwise the bully may continue to go through life as a jackass and end up in prison.
... written by Morrow , May 20, 2011 - 10:34 am
Louisiana has always been proactive when it came to protecting its citizens - ALL LOUISIANA CITIZENS, even those we don't agree with. To learn how these spineless leges crumpled under pressure of some "RELIGIOUS RADICALS" is disappointing to me. I mistakenly gave them credit for more intelligence. I mistaknenly thought they'd "evolved" intellectually. And like it or not, Louisiana has really had a wonderful history of more tolerance than this action indicates. Maybe its the history of persecution, the diaspora settling in Louisiana, that gives us a better sense of acceptance, but the state has a huge population who embraces & that includes our gay population. I suspect those religious bullies don't share a history of hundreds of years of affiliation with the state of Louisiana. I WANT ALL CITIZENS OF LOUISIANA PROTECTED FROM BULLIES (EVEN RELIGIOUS BULLIES) and that includes gay people! So get off your Bible beating soap boxes, get on your knees and do some soul searching. Do we really want Louisiana to go the way of the soldier's funeral-picketing religious fanatics? Nip it in the bud then.
... written by Morrow , May 20, 2011 - 10:41 am
You know the kids in this state deserve legislators who aren't afraid to protect them. I get it, kids can't vote, so they don't matter, at least to the legislators in this state. I believe they will find out, this is a bigger issue than they'd realized. No matter the color of their skin, the religion they practice, the gender they are, the sexual orientation they prefer: THE KIDS OF LOUISIANA DESERVE TO HAVE LAWS THAT PROTECT THEM FROM BULLIES, EVEN RELIGIOUS BULLIES! I expect grown men & women, who have chosen to legislate in this state to have the integrity & fortitude to set the example & stand up to the bullies, even bullies toting Bibles! Why not make Louisiana look progressive & support ALL citizens, even the non-voting children of this state?
... written by Joseph 42 , May 20, 2011 - 01:06 pm
South Louisiana should secede from Noth Louisiana. There are two different states. North Louisiana uses our tax dollars to instill hate and abandon kids.
... written by James Melancon , May 20, 2011 - 01:25 pm
written by John M "Once again, the pig-ignorant voices of Louisiana have spoken up. Look at this clown, James Melancon, above, who thinks its perfectly alright for one student to harass, beat, abuse, and intimidate other students." --------------------------
Excuse me but were did I say this? Freedom of Speech is the important issue. If you are punished for speaking or writing, then is that Freedom? Physical abuse is illegal and there a laws governing physical harm. Nonetheless, who is to determine what is intimation? It is a vague and subjective.
Freedom of speech needs to be nearly absolute.
... written by neutral party , May 20, 2011 - 01:41 pm
We need to teach them suicide is never the answer,and no matter how tough this too shall pass.
... written by ragin_cajun , May 20, 2011 - 01:51 pm
Can someone define what exactly "bullying" means? And then explain what the law would do to stop bullying, what the law would require of whom?
"These people are murderers, little different then those like hitler"
"I hope the representatives that voted against it will find out one day, via a child or grandchild, what bullying is really all about."
"As a Californian, it amazes me how backwards some parts of the country "
"Long for the days when religious nut-cakes were refered to as the lunatic fringe." "pig-ignorant voices of Louisiana"
"10 bucks says Seabaugh has a secret gay lover."
"these macho men physically abuse their wives in drunken rages" "THESE YAHOOS MAKE GREAT PUNCHIN BAGS"
"seems as if members of the church, and a lot of Baptists, are bullies themselves!"
I am HIGHLY suspicious of people who claim to just want to "protect the children", who claim to have pure motives, but use rhetoric like this to attack, or should I say bully, their political opponents.
I am also suspicious of the new names in this forum proclaiming their out of state residence, encouraging others to just 'abandon ship' and leave Louisiana.
... written by Now Gone , May 20, 2011 - 04:13 pm
I think the Freedom of Speech argument is a false one. This is about schools, places we MANDATE kids go. Also, these are kids. If you are an adult out about town and want to call everyone a "faggoty faggy home fag," that is your right. I hope it will make you unpopular and unwelcome most places, but it is your right.
When you are a kid at school, though, there are considerations that need to be taken because this is a mandated situation where we need to be able to ensure safety and control for the learning to happen.
... written by ragin_cajun , May 20, 2011 - 04:36 pm
" we need to be able to ensure safety and control for the learning to happen. "
Finally, a reasonable statement. I agree with that. However, when I was in school, students were not ALLOWED to speak that way. Not saying they didn't, but it was not allowed. Students were expected to sit down, shut up, and pay attention in class. And that's usually what happened, too. It was not mandated by law.
Why do we need the State Legislature to pass a law for teachers and principals to ensure a safe learning environment? We never did before.
... written by noname123 , May 20, 2011 - 05:39 pm
"Why do we need the State Legislature to pass a law for teachers and principals to ensure a safe learning environment? We never did before."
Because Facebook did not exist when you were a kid.
... written by James Melancon , May 20, 2011 - 06:15 pm
written by ragin_cajun "who claim to have pure motives, but use rhetoric like this to attack, or should I say bully, their political opponents." ---------------
Agreed. I found it interesting as being quoted "who thinks its perfectly alright for one student to harass, beat, abuse, and intimidate other students." So far, I have not found that posting.
... written by ragin_cajun , May 20, 2011 - 08:33 pm
"Because Facebook...."
You're kidding me, right?
... written by Morrow , May 20, 2011 - 09:23 pm
No kidding. If you haven't noticed kids today are not even close to kids of say 30 yrs ago. Facebook offers a forum to be as hateful as you could ever imagine, and a kid might not even know they're being bullied or harrassed online. Also, there are phones with cameras. Bad photos, or even photos taken in PE class dress out have been posted on FB and used as a form of torture. In the past, parents & teachers would have paddled a kid for torturing another student, but you can't do that now. If we can legislate "Yes ma'am" and "No sir" why is it so far fetched to try to legislate against the torture of a child? Can you imagine if someone would post a pic of you picking your nose or scratching your crotch or some other unthinking moment? The annonymity of the internet has allowed users to post the most vile comments; comments a kid cannot process like an adult.
... written by Woolly Bully , May 21, 2011 - 01:58 am
by Morrow "Facebook offers a forum" -----------------------------
We have heard this before. Once it was on blamed Rock n' Roll, TV, the movies, jazz, French postcards, reefer madness, bathtub gin, take your pick. I am certain the future will have something in it to blame. If we live pass 7/21/11 6pm. Was that eastern or central time?
... written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , May 21, 2011 - 01:27 pm
Every Gay boy / man should carry a shotgun, and blast the abuser to the promised land. I just may have a few dozen to sell you.
... written by rambeaux rawlings , May 21, 2011 - 03:20 pm
Anyone surprised by the defeat of the anti-bullying legislation hasn't been paying attention. LA isn't just going over a financial cliff we are heading for a moral precipice, too. And we are being led over the edge by some of the most disappointing Christians since Jerry Falwell and Pat Roberston. But there's good news for bigots: a new first-class hollerer and name-caller on the scale of Leander Perez and Willie Rainach, the miserably tormented Alan Seabaugh. (Hey Al, can I borrow your copy of the "gay, lesbian, transgender playbook?" I'll even unstick the pages for you). And congrats to Bobby Badon for standing up for kids and against bullies like Gene Mills.
... written by Mother T , May 22, 2011 - 04:20 am
It seems like the further we go, the more backwards we become. Don't know how long I can stomach the injustices.
... written by ragin_cajun , May 22, 2011 - 05:19 pm
Morrow--
Everything you mention about Facebook is speech, not "bullying" or "hazing". If kids are committing suicide or having mental break downs because of what others say, or post on the Internet, then bullying is not the problem. Pass all the laws you want, you won't solve the problem because you don't understand what the problem really has or who really has it.
Let the screeds begin...,
On a totally separate issue, kids should not be screwing around with cell phones all day, taking pictures on campus, etc. My kids' school doesn't allow that. Sounds to me like this is more about out-of-control public schools than bigotry.
... written by Existentialist Homme , May 24, 2011 - 06:50 am
I am proud to tell you that I back-handed the S_ _ _, out of every constipated bully that I personally witnessed bullying a weaker person. I am sure a higher power saw fit to place me in the vicinity of such inhumane acts by bullys against weaker persons, you can put that in your book.
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No, thanks! Enough of that on tv!