Anti-Bullying Bill Passes State Senate, Draws Criticism

State Democrats and the father of the victim after whom the bill was named have denounced the bill because of the exception for religious beliefs or moral convictions. One senator gave an impassioned speech against the bill. What do you think?

The state Senate yesterday passed a new bill that would require school districts to implement anti-bullying policies. But the bill is drawing criticism from Democrats and the father of the victim after whom the bill was named. The critics say the bill creates a special exception for bullies who have "a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction," as well as neglecting to protect against bullying by students based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a story by the Huffington Post. Known as Matt's Safe School Law, the bill effectively bans harassment in schools and requires every district to have an anti-bullying policy. The law was inspired by Matt Epling, a Michigan teen who committed suicide shortly after an …

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