Missouri Memories

"Mo. lawmaker says he is gay, denounces school bill limiting sexual orientation discussion" Associated Press, May 03, 2012

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A Missouri House member who previously served in the Air Force announced Wednesday that he is gay and called on GOP leaders in the state Legislature to withdraw a bill that would limit discussion of sexual orientation in public schools.

Representative Zachary Wyatt, a Republican and 27-year-old cattle farmer from the rural northern Missouri town of Novinger, said the legislation had motivated him to disclose his sexual orientation publicly for the first time. Wyatt was joined by nine other Democratic and Republican lawmakers in denouncing Missouri legislation that would prohibit teaching, extracurricular activities, or materials that discuss sexual orientation unless they relate to the scientific facts about human reproduction.

“I will not lie to myself anymore about my own sexuality,’’ Wyatt said during a news conference at the state Capitol. “I am still the same person that I was when I woke up this morning and I will be the same person when I go to bed tonight. Today I ask you to stand with me as a proud Republican, a proud veteran, and a proud gay man who wants to protect all kids addressing bullying in our schools.’’

The Missouri bill appears unlikely to pass before the session ends May 18. It was referred to a House education committee last month and has not received a hearing. But the legislation has generated attention and controversy.

Opponents have dubbed the legislation the “don’t say gay’’ bill. They contend it could forbid teachers from uttering the words “gay’’ or “lesbian’’ in the classroom or talking about bullying that gay and lesbian students face from their peers. The legislation also appears to forbid school-sponsored “gay-straight alliance’’ groups, which advocate for gay and lesbian rights.

The lawmakers at Wednesday’s news conference called for the sponsor of the bill to withdraw the legislation.

But Representative Steve Cookson said he will not do that. Cookson, a Republican from the rural southern Missouri town of Fairdealing, said he believes families, not schools, should teach children about different kinds of sexuality.

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