Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 23 (UPI) -- A Tennessee state Senate committee approved a bill to ban teachers from discussing homosexuality with students who have not yet entered the ninth grade. The measure, dubbed the "don't say gay" bill by sponsor Sen. Stacey Campfield, R-Knoxville, was approved Wednesday by the Senate Education Committee despite an argument from Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, who said current law already prohibits the teaching of any sex education not covered by the state Board of Education's "family life curriculum," the Knoxville News Sentinel reported Friday. Advertisement However, Campfield contended homosexuality is being discussed in classrooms. Tracy proposed the bill be amended to have the Board of Education study the issue and determine whether homosexuality is being discussed against state regulations. The Tracy amendment passed, along with a second amendment stating language banning the teaching of homosexuality would be added to the "family life curriculum" at the end of the board's study. The revised bill was approved 6-3.
