I talk a fair amount about bullying, and how it is essential and imperative to have a comprehensive anti bully campaign in the schools. Many agree as the principle is simple really. Show why it is wrong to bully, and it lessens the violence and the racism in society. It makes it so people grow up without the hatred fostered by ignorances. It is why groups like GSA were formed, to educate and illuminate children that being Gay is not a crime, not a horror deserving of punishment and of attack.
Debbie Johnston’s 15-year-old son Jeffrey hanged himself in 2005 when he could no longer bear the treatment he received at school. (story)
If their is real concern to protect children, then anti-bullying laws must be passed and not here and there, but all over the world really. Canada does have one, and it has perhaps helped make this country more accepting of differences than say the United States. While it is not a short term program, the key is that in the long term it builds better citizens and improves our society. Isn’t that what education is really about? To improve and give the upcoming generations a chance?
Whether you agree or not with homosexuality, whether you believe it to be a choice or not, whether you think it is a religious sin or not, the point is that children are being hurt and die from the attacks on them due to their sexuality. These are kids, and their protection should be paramount, yet so many organizations professing to be GOD Fearing oppose including sexuality in any anti-bullying legislation. It is why these bills have taken so long to get to this stage even.
In Iowa, an anti-bullying bill has passed the Senate Education Committee after two years of lobbying by LGBT rights groups. It would protect students on the basis of race, disability and sexuality. (story)
When you hear the horror stories that are the reality of going to school today, how can anyone sleep well? I mean surely society has not gotten that used to the death of children or that complacent that it simply has no effect when children are hurt, all because of some ideological difference? It boggles my mind really, because to me, children are the most precious resource a society has, and yet we put them in harm’s way so readily. I wonder if maybe we, as a society, don’t have a self destructive wish happening.
Children are the future, don’t we want one?
