Community Corner
Should Discussion of Sexual Orientation Be Banned in Classrooms?
Such a ban could occur in most classroom settings if a local lawmaker's bill is approved in the Missouri General Assembly.
A bill forbidding the discussion of sexual orientation in most classroom settings has continued to advance in the Missouri legislature.
House Bill 2051, which was introduced to the House in March 29, is sponsored by Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Fairdealing, and co-sponsored by 19 other members of the House, including Rep. John Diehl, R-Town and Country, who represents the 87th district in St. Louis County.
The text of the bill reads, “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school.”
The bill hasn't been scheduled for a vote, but it has been referred to the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee for consideration.
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It has already drawn some critics, including Randy Turner, who teaches in the Joplin School District. Turner blogged about his opposition on Friday on the Huffington Post. He called the bill an infringement on First Amendment rights.
Where do you stand on the issue? Should this type of discussion be banned in the classroom, or is this an attack on free speech?