May 4, 2012 | Sex & Society

Politician comes out to stop 'don't say gay' bill

Politicians in Missouri are considering a bill that would prohibit teachers from talking about homosexuality with students, even if the student were looking for help with coming out of the closet. The 'Don't Say Gay' bill is currently being debated by the state's House of Representatives.

Republican Rep. Zachary Wyatt does not want the bill to pass. And to that end, he hoped that by coming out he could help influence some of his colleagues to reconsider their position on the new law.

“Today I ask you to stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids, addressing bullying in our schools,” Wyatt said on Wednesday.

“I will not lie to myself anymore about my own sexuality. It has probably been the hardest thing to come to terms with. I have always ignored it. I didn’t even think about it or want to talk about it. I’ve not been immune to it. I hear the comments, usually snide ones, about me,” Wyatt added.

He explained how he had been bullied as a child, and didn't want to support anything that would allow bullying to take place in schools.

“Students need to feel safe when they go to school and be able to speak to teachers, counselors, and administrators when they are getting bullied," he said. "This bill will make that illegal."

A similar bill was being considered in Tennessee. However, the bill's sponsor is not pushing for a vote on it  which will allow the bill to die when the current legislative session ends. 

Missouri Republican Announces He's Gay, Slams 'Don't Say Gay' Bill [The Advocate]