South Carolina dating violence bill lacks protections for LGBT youth

COLUMBIA — Gay rights advocates on Tuesday protested the exclusion of gay and lesbian relationships from a South Carolina bill meant to curb teen dating violence.

Limiting dating violence prevention to students in hetereosexual relationships further discriminates against students who are already vulnerable to bullying, depression and self-doubt, the advocates said. They urged senators to remove the reference.

"The message this sends gay kids is, we're not worthy, we don't count — it makes them feel like second-class citizens, and isolated," said Harriet Hancock, who founded the Columbia chapter of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Keep reading at The Spartanburg Herald-Journal web site.