Teens Supporting Anti-Bullying Bill at the Capitol

St. PAUL, Minn. - Some Minnesota teens took the issue of bullying in schools to the State Capitol on Wednesday. They supported the Safe Schools for All bill.

Leah Matz is an openly gay high school junior. She says she has personally been the victim of bullying at her school in St. Peter.

In middle school, Matz's sexuality was a source of fear.

"I was hit, kicked, people attempted to throw me down stairs," said Matz.

She said she would intentionally not go to school because she didn't feel safe.

She is now one of many students supporting the Safe Schools for All bill, which would expand bullying statutes to specifically include sexual orientation, gender, nationality, and disability.

But opposition is strong.

Both the school board and Principals' Association worry about micromanaging policy, and creating difficulties for school administrations.

Tim Pritchard, with the Minnesota Family Council, believes policy protecting sexual orientation is about more than safety.

"They use that as a pretext for promoting alternative sexual lifestyles, redefinition of the family, marriage," said Pritchard. "So it becomes an indoctrination issue."

Anti-bullying policies in Minneapolis and St. Paul already cover sexual orientation, but this bill would set standards statewide.

The law is already on the books in six states and the District of Columbia.

Matz believes knowing you're protected by law would change attitudes, and behavior.

"Enough students are suffering now that it needs to happen right now."