The
Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender civil rights organization – is calling out New Mexico
U.S. Senate candidate Heather Wilson (pictured) for remarks in which she actually
blasts legislation meant to protect children because it “criminalizes”
teasing. In video
captured by the group American Bridge, Wilson says of the Student
Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA): “…but that particular act is so broad
that it would actually punish children, or say it’s prohibited to
express an opinion with respect to homosexuality in schools.”
“Heather Wilson’s remarks are shockingly ignorant and show how unaware
she is of the realities kids face in school on a daily basis,” said HRC
President Joe Solmonese. “Bullying and harassment of kids who are LGBT,
or who are perceived to be LGBT, is a serious problem. Our lawmakers
have a moral obligation to protect children. Heather Wilson should be
sending a message that verbal and physical abuse is never acceptable
behavior. Instead, she’s saying harassment based on someone’s real or
perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is a normal way for
bullies to express their opinion.”
Heather Wilson formerly represented New Mexico’s first Congressional
district in the House of Representatives. She has a staunchly anti-LGBT
track record – she’s voted against workplace protections for LGBT
employees and supports a discriminatory federal marriage amendment that
would ban committed, loving same-sex couples from marrying. She performs
poorly on HRC’s Congressional Scorecard regularly, most recently receiving a 5 – out of a possible 100.
In reality, SNDA would prohibit public schools from discriminating
against any student on the basis of actual or perceived sexual
orientation or gender identity. Discrimination and harassment of
students who are LGBT, or are perceived to be LGBT, can lead high rates
of absenteeism, dropout, adverse health consequences and academic under
achievement. When left unchecked, such discrimination can lead, and has
led to, dangerous situations for young people. SNDA is a critical step
forward in addressing the discrimination that LGBT students face every
day in their schools and classrooms.
SNDA does not inhibit constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech
and expression for individuals and student groups. Language in SNDA
recognizes that nothing in the Act alters the legal standards and rights
available to individuals or religious and other student groups under
the First Amendment and the Equal Access Act. SNDA prohibits
discrimination, including severe, persistent or pervasive harassment; it
does not prevent an individual or organization from expressing
disagreement with an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Heather Wilson isn’t just disagreeing with SNDA from a policy
perspective, she is devaluing the everyday experiences, health, and
safety of LGBT youth. Bullying or harassing another human being is never
acceptable, regardless of your personal beliefs. Heather Wilson should
immediately amend her remarks to demonstrate she understands just how
dangerous a problem bullying is for students.”
HRC is urging its members and supporters to take immediate action and
call on Heather Wilson to clarify her remarks. The petition can be
accessed here.