SILENCE AIN'T GOLDEN

MO Politician Defends “Don’t Say Gay” Bill: “Meant To Protect Moral Values”

Many of the recent articles on HB 2051 have shifted focus away from the true intent of my legislation, which is meant to protect the moral values that are most important to Missouri families. In a time when our public schools continue to struggle financially, we want their focus to be solely on core education issues such as math, science and reading; and not on topics that are better left for discussion in the home at the discretion of parents.

“It’s also important to point out that my bill does not target a particular sexual orientation but instead says instruction or materials related to any sexual orientation should not take place in our public schools. This would not prohibit a student struggling with his or her sexual identity from talking to a school counselor or cause any of the other issues that have been misreported by the media. Instead it would simply ensure the focus of our public schools is on the curriculum parents expect their children to learn when they send them to school each day.”

—State Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Fairdealing), defending his sponsorship of HB 2051— Misouri’s proposed “Don’t Say Gay” bill. House Education Committee Chairman Scott Dieckhaus (R-Washington), has said the measure will not get a hearing. Photo: Missouri House of Representatives

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