House Bill 336, an anti-bullying law for our children was turned down (not passed) by the House Education Committee lead by a group of our “State Representatives,” because some of them are bullies themselves.  The House Bill 336  would require schools to ban bullying  because of a student’s race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or learning disabilities.  The bill was turned down, so now it cannot become law until it is re-introduced next year – which means, in short, bullying is ok with Kentucky State Legislators.

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW (PDF) | HB 336 PDF | Legislature Record

If you are a parent, teacher, or a Kentucky voter then you are going to want to know who opposed this bill so that you can make the effort to keep them from being re-elected as our State “representatives.”  If we elected a person into office who says that it’s ok for a child to be bullied, isolated, and hurt to the point of possible suicide then they need to FIND ANOTHER JOB.

The list below was provided to me by the Fairness Campaign, whom I contacted after reading about this Bill not being passed.  For one, I believe that there should be accountability and so I am providing a list of those “representatives” who said “aye,” or yes for the bill and then those who “passed” on the bill, and those who said “nay.”  Those who want to know, there were a couple of representatives who were absent, and the vote was very close!  In short, if your elected to a job (and do not have a valid excuse to be absent) then you should show up to do your job.  Accountability is the key here.

For those that “passed,” I can only assume that they didn’t want to raise a stink in their cushy positions to make a wave, which means that they don’t care that your child may one day go to school and be bullied or tormented for “insert discriminating reason here.”  Therefore, they do not care about the welfare of your child, the safety of your child, or the ability for your child to concentrate on LEARNING while in school.

In short, the issue is not important to them.

So here is the list, and I URGE you to contact each of them and let them know that they are OUT OF TOUCH.  Let them know that they SHOULD NOT BE RE-ELECTED, and that bullying and suicide go hand in hand.  Let them know they will be HELD ACCOUNTABLE for their actions, and that YOU HOLD THE ENVELOPE to their re-election and future paychecks.  After all, it’s your children and it’s your tax dollars that feed their children.

HERE IS THE LIST:

Rep. Carl Rollins [Chair]–Aye
Rep. Linda Belcher [Vice Chair]–Aye
Rep. John “Bam” Carney [Vice Chair]–Nay
Rep. Ted Edmonds [Vice Chair]–Aye
Rep. Charles Miller [Vice Chair]–Aye
Rep. Tom Riner [Vice Chair]–Aye
Rep. Wilson Stone [Vice Chair]–Aye
Rep. Regina Petrey Bunch–Nay
Rep. Hubert Collins–Absent
Rep. Leslie Combs–Aye
Rep. Jim DeCesare–Nay
Rep. C.B. Embry–Nay
Rep. Bill Farmer–Pass
Rep. Kelly Flood–Absent
Rep. Jim Glenn–Aye
Rep. Derrick Graham–Aye
Rep. Donna Mayfield–Nay
Rep. Reginald Meeks–Absent
Rep. Rick G. Nelson–Pass
Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo–Aye
Rep. Ryan Quarles–Nay
Rep. Marie Rader–Pass
Rep. Jody Richards–Aye
Rep. Bart Rowland–Nay
Rep. Rita Smart–Aye
Rep. Ben Waide–Nay
Rep. David Watkins–Aye
Rep. Addia Wuchner–Nay
Rep. Jill York–Nay 

That is a lot of ignorance from people representing us in Frankfort, and that is WAY TOO MUCH ignorance for those representing your children.  It’s almost nauseating to think, but the “naysayers” influence is completely bigoted, based on the fact they believe this is a GAY RIGHTS ISSUE and not a protective measure for our children.

Rep. Ben Waide, R-Madisonville, called the bill an attempt “to achieve equality by making some people more equal than others, and the measure was not about bullying but “about gay rights in our schools.” (Source)

It is time to remove the bullshit from Frankfort, and hold these political leaders accountable.  Here is how you can contact them, and let them know how you feel.  Don’t hold back, because I certainly am not going to.  It is important to note that while voicing your disdain for their ignorance, you should not resort to being a bully yourself in the process.  Be an adult, and don’t be ignorant.  The corrupted bigots in Frankfort who are responsible will one day meet their maker, and they will have to answer for the suffering of many children, and unfortunately answer to those who suffered until they saw no way out other than to end their own lives.

HOW TO CONTACT THE BIGOTS:

You can leave messages for any of them by calling  1-800-372-7181 .  Please mention House Bill 336 when you call, and you can find further contact information on our ignorant legislators here: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm

Let’s Make Right Decisions & Hold Bigots Accountable,
Jake A. Wheat