SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) — The anti-bullying bill that failed to pass the Illinois General Assembly this year may get another chance. State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), the Senate sponsor, says she will bring the bill back during the November Veto Session.

Steans said conservative lawmakers voted the proposal down for a reason she says is unbelievable — that the bill is part of a pro-gay agenda, that “in some way shape or form it can be used to try to indoctrinate people toward homosexuality, which is just absurd,” Steans says.

She says about 20 percent of the kids who are bullied say it was because of their religious beliefs, which affects the very children of those who are against the proposal, she says. Kids could also choose to opt out of anything that conflicted with their religious beliefs, she said.

Steans says she plans to call the bill in November regardless of whether lawmakers are in session before then.
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