Gay Rights Group Protests SC Dating Violence Bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Gay rights advocates are protesting the exclusion of gay and lesbian relationships from a South Carolina bill meant to curb teen dating violence.

Democratic Representatives Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg and Ken Kennedy of Greeleyville are among those criticizing last week’s vote in the House to bar any mention of gays from the proposed program for middle and high school students.

Harriet Hancock of the Columbia charter of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays said Tuesday the amended bill sends a message to gay students they’re not worthy of being protected. The advocates urged senators to remove the amendment.

Republican Greg Delleney of Chester said he pushed for the change because he believes it would lead to school officials teaching children about same-sex relationships.