TN Bill Would Ban Discussion of Homosexuality in Public Schools

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NASHVILLE – A Tennessee state senator has introduced a revamped version of last year's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill that places LGBT students at risk and limits teachers' and counselors' free speech. The bill seeks to prohibit discussion about sexual orientation in Tennessee public elementary and middle schools, and could require school staff to inform parents if their child is gay or lesbian.

SB 234 purports to ban any discussion of sexuality "inconsistent with natural human reproduction" by educators in grades K-8. It allows school staff to provide counseling for students they consider to be at risk of engaging in "behavior injurious to physical or mental health and well-being," but requires parents to be notified of that counseling.