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Virginia students may need permission to join gay clubs
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| Contributor | The Sunset Provision |
| Last Edited | The Sunset Provision Jan 01, 2007 12:32pm |
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| Category | News |
| News Date | Monday, January 1, 2007 06:30:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | The first piece of anti-gay legislation filed with the Virginia State Assembly for House debate in 2007 could threaten the existence of some 60 gay-straight alliances in public schools by requiring students to obtain parental permission before joining the clubs.
Opponents of the bill are concerned such legislation could weaken the structure of support for children and teens who are just beginning to figure out their sexual orientation because asking for the signature could, in essence, out them to their parents or at least instigate a conversation gay or questioning youth aren’t ready to have. The proposed permission slips aren’t exclusive to the alliance clubs, though.
“I know they are coming out at earlier ages now,” said Dyana Mason, executive director of Equality Virginia. “But a lot of young people are not comfortable coming out to parents and wouldn’t ask them to sign. [Gay/straight alliance clubs] can be a lifesaver for gay kids, who have higher rates of intimidation, harassment and dropping out of school.”
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