The House approved by a one-vote margin a bill that would ban bullying against school children for actual or perceived differences including sexual orientation.
The bill passed 58 to 57, and Democrats then voted for a parliamentary maneuver ensuring that none of those voting in favor can change their minds. The result: the bill will be sent to Gov. Beverly Perdue for her signature.
The bill has been bitterly fought. Opponents, particularly Republicans, have said the bill should not name special categories of victims and have said the bill should simply ban all bullying. Supporters, mostly Democrats, have said the bill focuses attention on children who are the most likely targets in schools across the state.
"Don't sit on this floor and talk about how the general policy works to protect children," said Rep. Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat and co-sponsor of the bill. "None of us should be able to look in the mirror with that fable and say that it's true."
On Tuesday, Republicans tried to amend the bill to include punishments for bullies and for teachers and principals who allow it to happen.
"What we need to identify is not categories," said Rep. Nelson Dollar, a Cary Repubilcan. "We need to identify the bullies and address what they're doing, what they're getting away with."
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