Group Claims Anti-Bullying Program Promotes Homosexuality

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Students in the Oklahoma City area are defending a campaign to end bullying in schools after Christian group Focus on the Family suggested such programs are an easy way for gay-rights groups to promote homosexuality.

"What we have seen in some instances, outside political advocacy groups coming in and politicizing and sexualizing the issue in a way that's unnecessary," said Focus of the Family Education Analyst Candi Cushman.

Members of Upward Bound, a federally funded program that provides support to local students in their preparation for college, said their "Stand for the Silent" program is meant to stop in-school bullying and has nothing to do with homosexuality.

"We're not saying it's alright to be gay or it's not alright to be gay. We're just saying you are who you are", said Upward Bound member and Western Heights High School senior Ariel Henderson. "There's no connection to homosexuality to our group."

Members of Upward Bound are planning to work with the Cimarron Alliance this fall on a conference called "Stop Hate in the Hallways."

The Cimarron Alliance Foundation is an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit group promoting gay and lesbian issues.

The group's executive director, Scott Hamilton, said there's not a "gay agenda" behind anti-bullying programs and legislations that are becoming a trend in states across nation.

"We as Oklahomans have an obligation to ensure a safe learning environment for every single child," Hamilton said.

More:

• Thousands Around the World 'Stand for the Silent' Against Bullying
• Oklahoma Students Pledging to 'Stand for the Silent'