Frankel supports anti-bullying bill
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement (Watch the video) today on the reintroduction of House Bill 156, bipartisan anti-bullying legislation:
“As someone who’s been introducing legislation to protect LGBT men and women for more than a decade, I recognize the importance of this legislation.
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians must be free from discrimination whether that’s in the workplace, or in the classroom.
“Too many lives, and too much time, is lost when we allow people to bully and discriminate against fellow Pennsylvanians simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Men and women in Pennsylvania schools today may very well be heroes in our military come June – where their rights will be protected.
“A summit held in Pittsburgh on Monday brought 200 people together to discuss just this issue. It turns out that in Allegheny County, more than 90 percent of the anti-bullying policies don’t mention explicit protections for LGBT youth.
“And researchers from Duquesne University found that many students don’t even recognize that they’re behaving like bullies to their fellow students.
“Obviously, our schools need assistance in crafting stronger policies. I’m supportive of any bill that will help bring us closer to equality for Pennsylvania residents.”
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