Source: Orlando Sentinel, News-Press, CBS News
The parents of Ryan Keith Skipper, the victim of a gay-hate-crime murder in Polk County, will mark what would have been his 27th birthday Monday by joining others in support of anti-bullying legislation in Tallahassee.
The Florida State Senate is one vote away from passing a bill designed to protect children who are picked on, legislative aides say.
The measure's supporters say it would be the toughest law of its type in the nation.
It would shift some focus to prevention, and require schools to take disciplinary action to stop physical or verbal abuse that isn't averted.
Hate crimes against gays can start with bullying of gay students in high schools, said Brian Winfield, communications director for Equality Florida, a gay civil-rights organization.
"Bullies are the people who grow up to commit hate crimes in early adulthood," he said.
Skipper was stabbed to death March 14, 2007, his body dumped on an unpaved road and his car burned and abandoned beside a Winter Haven lake. Two men have been charged with his murder.
"Ryan endured bullying in school and endured bullying and harassment afterward. It ultimately ended up with his murder," said Lynn Mulder, Skipper's stepfather.
The Safe Schools bill before the Legislature does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity but is a major step in addressing the harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students, Winfield said.
The bill is nicknamed "Jeff's law" after a Coral Gables teenager who committed suicide after enduring two years of cyber-bullying from a classmate.
A companion bill has already been unanimously approved by the Florida House. If the Senate approves, the measure would be sent to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature. Crist’s office has indicated he supports the bill.
David Tirella, an attorney who recently won a $4 million jury verdict in a school bullying case in which the school was sued for providing inadequate protection for the victim, is pushing hard for the Florida measure.
He told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith Thursday "we have to" get the bill approved and signed by the governor. "I worked on cases the last three years. And I know there are Floridians that are being bullied right now, today, I'm sure there are students in class in Florida and throughout the state that are in fear.
"We know there's a problem. We know what the fix is. The social scientists have been telling us since Columbine how to fix it. Florida now has a bill. If it becomes law, it will help students -- 2.5 million students. We've got to fix the problem today."
Full article: Parents of murder victim to urge lawmakers to protect gay kids -- OrlandoSentinel.com
‘Jeff’s Law’ anti-bullying bill to make Florida Senate floor today | News-Press
Fla. May Get Toughest Anti-Bullying Law | CBS News