Today, someone in a position to (hopefully) get the discriminatory bill, HB2051, to bite the dust, spoke out in a major way.
Representative Zachary Wyatt, a Republican in the Missouri House held a Capitol news press conference today in which he publicly disclosed his sexual orientation and called on the GOP to end the legislation of the Sexual orientation bill, HB2051.
Stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids by addressing bullying in our schools.
In case you haven’t heard, HB2051:
Prohibits the discussion of sexual orientation in public school instruction, material, or extracurricular activity except in scientific instruction on human reproduction.
Over at OkToSayGay.org, many people have left comments and videos opposing the ridiculous bill, and Rep. Zachary Wyatt’s comments on the bill are also there.
Wyatt wrote a letter last week on House Bill 2051, in which he explains his disappointment:
I have become tired and frustrated with bigotry on gay issues from both sides of the aisle. Homosexuality is not a Republican or Democrat issue, and should not be portrayed as such. Students not only need, but have a right to feel safe when they go to school. They should be able to speak with teachers, counselors, or administrators when they get bullied. This bill would make that illegal.
As atheists, we understand the importance of supporting equality in other communities because of the bigotry and hatred our own community faces. As an atheist in Missouri, I am often embarrassed to live here among a population of people who are so ignorant of the world around them. Luckily, there are other populations of people who don’t hurt others with their archaic “values,” hurtful words/actions, and humiliating legislative tactics… and those are the people I support, the people who are railed against because they are “different” or “unnatural.” We are all different, just freaking deal with it.
Thank you Zachary Wyatt, for your honesty, for doing the right thing, for leading by example.
Want to help?
Sign this petition and express why you believe this effort is dangerously wrong for Missouri schools.
You can also upload your own story at OkToSayGay.org
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."