Tennesseans Rally against the "Don't Say Gay' Bill

The 'Don't Say Gay' Bill has fired up some Tennesseans to take action. Over 70 people rallied against the bill, hoping to drum up more support to stop it.

Thursday's half-hour rally was held a few feet away from the Oak Ridge Turnpike in front of the Civic Center and across the street from Oak Ridge High School. Teachers, students, parents, clergy, and community leaders gave short speeches and held signs with slogans such as "Stand on the Side of Love" and "It's okay to say gay."

Passing motorists showed their support by honking or giving thumbs-up signals.

"Gay doesn't mean bad," said Alesha Hicks, an Oak Ridge High School senior and GSA president. She said Campfield's legislation would tell children that bullying because of sexual orientation is OK.

Those who spoke at the rally, organized by the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church and the GSA at ORHS and Karns High School, said gay students have to endure ignorance, intolerance, and regular name-calling -- and they sometimes live in fear of brutality.

There are more rallies planned. Maybe this will spread throughout my home state.

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