Illinois Bullying Bill Faces Conservative Opposition, Vote Postponed In State Senate

State Anti-Bullying Bill Postponed Amid Conservative Opposition

Story by Kate Sosin, courtesy of Windy City Times:

A bill aimed at strengthening anti-bullying protections in Illinois has been postponed after Senate conservatives voted down the measure, a move believed to be a reaction from LGBT support.

Bill HB 5290, introduced by lesbian Rep. Kelly Cassidy, would bolster the state's anti-bullying code by creating model policies for schools in 2013.

The bill is not LGBT-specific. Rather, it adds to the current code, which already contains LGBT protections along with several other identity categories. The amendment would mandate education, emotional support, counseling and other community-based solutions intended to address root causes of bullying.

Cassidy said she believes the bill was voted down because some conservatives equated the bill with her own sexual orientation.

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