Bullying bill moves in House

A House committee approved a controversial anti-bullying bill Tuesday morning that provides protection for gay students among several groups.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Julia Boseman of Wilmington, and other Democrats have argued that identifying specific groups is more effective in ensuring they are protected, Kevin Kiley reports.

Rep. Paul Stam, an Apex Republican and the House minority leader, argued that the bill was too vague and that similar provisions have been used to support gay marriage in court cases in other states.

"Who knows how this thing can be interpreted," he said.

Republicans have attempted to amend the bill to forbid bullying against any student, regardless of who the victim is, but the proposal was shot down.

The bill, which already cleared the Senate, passed the committee by a 9 to 5, party line vote. The bill now goes before the full House.