Democrats Set To Renew Attack On Free Speech

A new piece of legislation set to be re-introduced in Congress by the
Democrats under the guise of anti-bullying would reprimand schoolchildren
for verbal criticism of their peers in any context, including sexual
orientation, religion or simply expression of an opposing idea. The
bill echoes federal hate crime legislation about to be debated as Congress
enters its first session tomorrow.

The Antibullying
Campaign Act of 2005 was rendered obsolete after the recent expiration
of Congress but Fox News radio reports that its most ardent champion,
Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York, is set to initiate its reintroduction.

The bill outlines a $300 million dollar federal program to target bullies
who harass other kids about their sexual orientation, gender identity
or religion.

However, the language of the legislation is so loosely defined that
it could punish kids for simply verbally disagreeing with another student
about so-called "alternative lifestyles."

The bill defines harassment as, "conduct, including verbal conduct,
that creates, or would create, a hostile environment by substantially
interfering with a student's educational benefits, opportunities, or
performance, or with a student's physical or psychological well-being."

Harassment would be taken to include, "any distinguishing characteristic
of an individual, including actual or perceived race, color, national
origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender
identity or expression, family composition or circumstance, or economic
circumstance."