On Wednesday, the Michigan state senate approved a controversial anti-bullying bill.  While the legislation does provide legal protections for bullied students, it also provides a loophole for religious and moral viewpoints.

Senate Bill No. 45, also known as “Matt’s Safe School Law,” passed by a vote of 26-11, much to the dismay of Democrats and Kevin Eppling, who’s son the bill is named for.  Matt Eppling committed suicide at the age of 14 in 2002 after being bullied at school.  In a letter read by Sen. Glenn Anderson during Wednesday’s session, Kevin Eppling said, ”I am ashamed that this could be Michigan’s bill on anti-bullying when in fact it is a ‘bullying is OK in Michigan law.’”

Democrats were also forced to remove language that listed protected classes.  Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, the bill’s sponsor stated that the bill is intended to get schools to write their own, more specific anti-bullying policies.