Every time I turn the corner, more and more Conservatives are standing on their soapboxes saying the government shouldn't endorse or encourage homosexual behavior. Now, they're saying it in relation to an anti-bullying bill that is moving through the Michigan Legislature.

The bill's purpose is to protect students from harassment and abuse, particularly in K-12 educational institutions.

The wording of the bill included that it protects homosexual and transgender students. This is important because many students are the subjects of abuse simply because of their perceived sexual orientation, regardless of whether the person is really straight. In no way is this "endorsing or encouraging" any kind of behavior except acceptance.

Conservatives are saying this would be the first time gays and lesbians would be separated into a protected class. I say this would be the first time gays and lesbians were included in a protected class — the same way people of all races, religions, sexes and national origins are.

Sam Curcuruto
political theory and constitutional democracy junior