Rhode Island's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Killed In Committee

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's version of the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bills introduced in legislatures across the country was killed in committee Monday night. The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Patricia Morgan, was held for further study.

In a lengthy testimony, Morgan frequently referenced the federal Civil Rights Act, saying she was calling for an end to "discrimination and segregation" in Rhode Island schools. Morgan claimed that current school curricula is "racialized and sexualized," and that teachers are forcing "activist ideology" onto students.

While she did not specify who exactly was facing discrimination, Morgan's clear implication was that books and classes make white children feel inferior by teaching the truth about painful historic events. Carefully choosing her words, Morgan avoided saying this directly, but used examples that highlighted this alleged victimization.

In one example, Morgan said that "no student should be taught that they are inherently superior or inferior" based on their race or sex, but implied that children of color were being favored by saying that she "reject[ed] the notion that white and Asian children do not enjoy the same protections of the civil rights act as any other race."

As the moniker "Don't Say Gay" would suggest, the legislation also called for a ban on discussions of sexuality, gender identity and LGBTQ issues in classrooms. Morgan heatedly claimed that teachers are "indoctrinating" students to change their gender expression or sexuality, saying that many students were "swayed into taking a different path" than they might have otherwise.

Following Morgan's initial testimony, Rep. Joseph McNamara, the chair of the Education Committee, asked the lawmaker to consider withdrawing the bill. The wording of the bill concerning LGBTQ issues "materially and substantially violates" the state's anti-bullying Safe Schools Act, which specifically protects against bullying and discrimination for gender identity or sexuality.

"If this bill was enacted, it would be institutional bullying," McNamara concluded, to thunderous applause from those in attendance.

Rep. Rebecca Kislak, a member of the committee, called the legislation the latest in a "national movement that would censor teaching materials," and underscored the importance of teachers being available as a safe adult to whom students can confide.