Don’t Say Gay?

Leave it to the Republicans to dream this one up. In Tennessee they are working a bill through the legislature that would prevent teachers and counselors from talking about homosexuality in grades 1-8.

I understand the natural sensitivity associated with sex education, especially in the area of sexual orientation, but I would think that educational professionals would be better judges about what should be said, and when, rather than politicians.
The head scratching stops when you hear the sponsors rationale. Allow me to quote Senator Stacy Campfield, “This legislation isn't anti-gay. It's about preventing teachers and counselors from pushing a gay agenda on students.”

Three things I’ve learned about conservatives are (1) they’re naïve; (2) they’re irrational and (3) they’re paranoid. In this statement, we have a perfect example of “paranoid.”

Every conservative seems to be convinced that as soon as they let their kids out of their sight, some nefarious individual starts working on them to shatter their respect for family, God and country. Teachers and, especially college professors, seem to be the primary culprits in the fuzzy mind of the conservative along with the “liberal media.” I’ve always suspected that this “fear” is at the root of home schooling.

I find it interesting that it never dawns on them that the more educated portions of society tend to disagree with their opinions.

This bill isn’t going to prevent school kids from “learning” about homosexuality. It’s simply going to push the “learning” into the schoolyard where the odds are the information will be warped and inaccurate. Perhaps even more warped and inaccurate that what they hear at home and in church.

I find it hard to believe there are many teachers in Tennessee “pushing” a gay agenda and it seems to me more than a bit short sighted to handcuff school counselors on the subject should it come up for whatever reason. I think this could especially be an issue at the middle school age.

This is another one of those things that tip toes on the border between fact and opinion. There are certain “facts” that are undeniable. Fact #1 = Homosexuality exists. Fact #2 = No one is certain why homosexuality exists. Fact #3 = The Bible says homosexuality is wrong. Fact #4 = Researchers believe that homosexuality is most likely not a choice.

Then there are opinions. Opinion #1 = Homosexuality is a natural human variant (based upon Facts #1 and #4). Opinion #2 = Homosexuality is a choice (based upon Facts #2 and #3). Opinion #3 = Even if homosexuality is not a choice, one should refrain from homosexual activities (based upon Fact #3). Opinion #4 = Homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals including the right to marry (based upon Fact #4 and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution). Opinion #5 = Preachers should have the right to condemn homosexuality without being labeled bigots (based upon Fact #3 and the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution).

Now teachers and counselors should certainly be allowed to discuss “facts.” They should shy away from discussing “opinions.” Opinions related to matters of faith and morality belong in the home which is why the overwhelming majority of teachers are smart enough to stay away from them.

The Tennessee “don’t say gay” bill is idiotic. It will accomplish nothing good and may cause some harm.