Kentucky is one state in the country that is receiving a lot of publicity but not in a flattering way. Those who stand by the initials LGBTQ are outraged at the intent of the new measure signed into law.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin (R) has now given the green light to his state to allow student groups to discriminate against LGBTQ people during school activities. The LGBTQ umbrella includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or questioning) males and females.
Bevin put his signature on the measure, SB 17, so young people could have a voice in public school when it comes to expressing their religious and political opinions without being silenced. The measure applies to Kentucky student groups in colleges, universities and high schools.
LGBTQ rights groups were quick to blast the new law, saying it encourages legal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Human rights groups agree, saying that private student organizations should not have the power to unfairly discriminate with taxpayer funds.
SB 17 is also called the “Charlie Brown Law” after a Kentucky school cut a bible verse from their production of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
The bill passed in both the state Senate and state House with broad bipartisan support in a vote of 81 to 8. Three state senators voted against the new law last February. Those who voted in favor of SB 17 believe the new measure just redefines the guarantee of every student’s First Amendment rights.
The LGBTQ community is afraid the new measure will increase bullying and show approval of isolating someone who does not believe in traditional religious values.
Kentucky is also one of the few states in the country weighing the idea of implementing a new measure similar to North Carolina’s controversial H.B. 2. That law prevents transgender people from using the restrooms of their choice.
When President Trump took office, he quickly quashed President Obama’s order that permitted transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice in schools across the United States.