Gridlock over sexual orientation blocks state law that would outlaw bullying

LANSING (WXYZ) - From classrooms to family rooms; kids, teachers and parents are fighting to end bullying. In Lansing, our lawmakers have failed to act.

They’ve earned Michigan an embarrassing distinction; one of only three states with no anti-bullying law. Action News Investigator Ross Jones has uncovered the hot-button issue holding up the passage of a law meant to protect your kids.

There’s been a dark cloud hanging over the state capitol for more than a decade. Since 1999, scores of bills have been introduced in Michigan’s legislature, aiming to outlaw bullying in schools.

Lansing gridlock has killed each one.

Perhaps no one has fought harder for an anti-bullying law in Michigan than Kevin Epling.

"47 states have passed us, and we’re waiting, we’re still waiting, we’re losing kids every year," said Epling.

His son Matt took his own life in 2002 after being repeatedly tormented in high school. Since then, he’s made passing “Matt’s Safe Schools Law” his life’s mission. It’s been held up every step of the way.

"It’s a hold up of perceptions over all," said Epling.

"These kids, they are who they are. They can’t help that. All of us are different, and they should be," he said.

According to Epling and capitol insiders, the political gridlock is over two words.

“Sexual orientation," said Pappageorge.

"(That's) what the issue is. Specific. And you got two sides out there, in the public, in the legislature…in the whole country on that issue," he said.

Troy Senator John Pappageorge and most of his fellow Republicans have resisted passing the original version of “Matt’s Law.” The bill protects students from being bullied over “any…distinguishing characteristic,” and goes further, naming groups of students who are most targeted like overweight, disabled and gay students. He and other Republican lawmakers like Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills, oppose to the bill.
McMillin says mentioning targeted students isn’t needed.

"It’s unnecessary and it only begs the question, why are you doing it?" said McMillin.

Senator Glenn Anderson, a Westland Democrat, says the reason is simple.

"I don’t think anyone can deny that GLBT students in our classroom and in our schools tend to receive the greatest harassment," said Anderson.

Anderson introduced “Matt’s Law” in 2005. He says Republicans and religious groups have fought his bill, saying it creates a “protected class” for gay students.

"They have tried to portray it as something that’s providing special rights to GLBT students. And it’s not true. The legislation is all encompassing," he said.

Kevin Epling and others say it makes sense to mention students who are most targeted in schools.

"You do have to pay attention to these groups like the kids with disabilities, the kids that are perceived as gay, the kids that are different are the ones that are at the top level of bullying.”

The staunchest opponent to Anderson’s bill isn’t in the state legislature. He’s Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan—a conservative Christian group that has the ear of many republican legislators. Glenn fears that if the bill becomes law it could lead to same-sex marriage or adoption in Michigan.

Mentioning gay students in a bullying bill, he says, promotes a “homosexual lifestyle.”

"To give students protection expressly based on their engaging in homosexual behavior gives public approval, gives the approval of the school system in our view to such behavior," said Glenn.

"We don’t think is in the best interest of students," he said.

Glenn says that scientific studies have shown that a homosexual lifestyle can lead to serious health risks, including domestic violence, mental illness, STDs, eating disorders, AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis.

Even bills that don’t mention sexual orientation have died in Michigan’s legislature. Looking for a middle ground, Republican Senator Rick Jones introduced a bill that doesn’t name any targeted groups; it says that “all pupils are protected.” It hasn’t pleased all parents, but most view it as a step in the right direction.

"There may be some elected officials who believe if you put 'gay' into Michigan law, that that would advance perhaps gay marriage or gay couple adoption," said Jones.

Democrats insist that’s not their motivation in naming 12 groups they say are most targeted in school. Some, like Senator Lesia Liss, a Warren Democrat, blame their colleagues across the aisle.

"There are some people who are homophobic and that is their whole purpose; to make sure we don’t pass legislation," she said.

Regardless of the reason for gridlock, it’s been 12 years, three governors, and at least 10 school suicides since Michigan’s first anti-bullying bill was introduced.

"I’ve seen other states, both parties come together and do what’s right for their kids, and we’ve been locked in partisan politics over this simple, simple issue," said Epling.

"And we’ve lost lives along the way," he said.

Senator Glenn Anderson’s bill requires that each school report yearly totals of bullying incidents to the state. Senator Rick Jones’s bill does not. For that reason, parents like Kevin Epling fear Jones’s bill lacks real teeth and won’t monitor if schools are making progress.

Jones says his bill is just a start, and reporting requirements can always be added later on.

If you have a tip for the Action News Investigative Team, contact us at tips@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.