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Richard Piatt ReportingA bill proposing to ban gay-straight alliance clubs from public high schools made it into a Senate committee today, but the hearing on Capitol Hill was as far as that bill got, at least so far.
The Senate Education committee elected to do nothing on the bill---no 'yes or no' vote, nothing. So the bill is alive, but its fate is unknown.
Even with the sharp emotions tied to this issue, today's hearing was relatively calm. There was a moderate turnout with most testimony focusing about how Gay Straight Alliance clubs give a 'safe haven' to kids who don't feel safe in school.
Senator Chris Buttars, the bill's sponsor, was not there, however, possibly affecting the outcome of the measure. Regardless, there are fierce supporters of banning the clubs, as well as fierce supporters of keeping them in place.
Karen Clark, Utah Eagle Forum: "It's not appropriate for this blub to exist in our schools. It's an immoral and unhealthy lifestyle and we don't want to be promoting these kinds of things."
Alice Sikorski, Parent of Gay-Straight Alliance Member: "As a parent of a gay son, I don't feel this is an issue anymore. Our sons and daughters are supported by the parents; we're there for them and it's time to move on."
Some Hunter High school students and their friends are also hoping the Legislature chooses to move on, spending another day lobbying against the bill. In fact, the bill's fate is uncertain right now. The budget battle is looming. Senator Buttars is not here. Even with a House member willing to take the issue on, it appears banning gay-straight alliance clubs is not a top priority on Capitol Hill this year.
