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House bill could ban gay-straight groups

House OKs legislation that foes say targets public-school support groups for students shamed, shunned by their peers.

Date published: 2/1/2006

By CHELYEN DAVIS

RICHMOND--The Virginia House of Delegates approved legislation yesterday that opponents say would ban gay-straight alliance clubs in schools.

By a 70-29 vote, the House passed Del. Matt Lohr's bill, which would enable school boards to prohibit from using school facilities any student club or group "that encourages or promotes sexual activity by unmarried minor students."

The House debated the bill Monday. Lohr, R-Rockingham, said his bill is not aimed at any particular student organization, but was intended to give local school boards more control over who uses their buildings. He said that would apply to heterosexual groups if they promoted sexual activity.

"Whether it be homosexual or heterosexual, school is just not the place to be talking about sexual activity," Lohr was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

But gay-straight alliance clubs don't promote sex, said Del. Adam Ebbin, the House's only openly gay delegate.

"This bill is really targeted at these gay-straight alliances," Ebbin said during Monday's debate, The Associated Press reported. "Gay-straight alliances are support groups for children with a high rate of potential suicide from being outcasts. And these clubs are not just for gay children but for all children who want to help their fellow students resist peer pressure."

Gay-straight alliance clubs are gaining popularity in schools, as a refuge for homosexual students or those questioning their sexuality.

Locally, James Monroe High School's student newspaper reported that a senior there wants to start a gay-straight alliance.

Principal Daryl Chesley said JM students have approached him about starting a gay-straight alliance, but he hasn't received a written proposal.

Students who want to start school-sponsored clubs must get a faculty adviser to help them write a proposal outlining the club's mission, by-laws, membership, dues, budget and any affiliation to state or national organizations, Chesley said. With the principal's preliminary approval, the proposal is forwarded to the superintendent and then to the School Board, which must give final authorization for any school-sponsored clubs or organizations.

Chesley said that until he sees a proposal, he can't say whether he'd recommend a gay-straight alliance on campus.

"I encourage all my students to find their passion and see how that might fit into making a stronger James Monroe," he said.

But students often get discouraged when they find out how lengthy and involved the process is to form a school-sponsored club.

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Date published: 2/1/2006