Just Say ‘Takei’: Tennessee to ban any homosexual language after ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passes in Senate

by Ruth Fine

George Takei - 'Just Say Takei'

Public school teachers and students in Tennessee may be banned from using any language that alludes to or expresses homosexuality in the classroom if the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passes next year.

The Tennessee Senate has already passed the homophobic bill, but it will likely remain in limbo as lawmakers prepare to adjourn this spring. But, proponents of the bill are motivated to push the bill forward in 2012. If passed, the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law will be the first of its kind in the nation.

Opponents of the bill have expressed major concerns over possible bullying and segregation of LGBT families, while supporters insist the bill is only intended for teacher “guidance” according to The Sacramento Bee.

The law also intends to ban any sexual education materials for younger audiences that may allude to homosexual acts. Sponsors of the bill say “homosexuals don’t naturally reproduce” and therefore education holds no place in sexual education classes.

“There’s more than one way to skin a cat,” said Republican Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield of Knoxville, Tenn.  ”I got what I wanted.”

Openly gay actor George Takei, known for his appearances on Star Trek and the Howard Stern Show, voices his reaction to Tennessee’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill with a solution to the problem if the bill indeed passes. Instead of saying ‘gay,’ just say ‘Takei’.

Short URL: http://lgbtweekly.com/?p=8969

Posted by LGBT Weekly on May 20, 2011. Filed under Bottom Highlights, Breaking News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry