NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A measure that seeks to ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about gay issues is once again before lawmakers.
The proposal, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, is sponsored by Republican Rep. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald and is scheduled to be heard today in the House Education Subcommittee.
The companion bill passed the Senate last year. It limits all sexually related instruction to, as the measure reads "natural human reproduction science" in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Hensley says he plans to amend the House version to say the same, and believes it will pass.
Opponents of the legislation fear it will prevent teachers and others from speaking out against the bullying of gay teens.