LETTER: Defeating Rep. Lyons Is Cruicial
Reader believes Lyons' policies are not in the best interests of children.
To the Editor:
The death of a child causes incalculable pain and loss to the parents. Moreover, when the tragedy is due to suicide, that pain is compounded by knowing it might have been preventable. Dozens of gay and lesbian teens every year commit suicide after prolonged anti-gay bullying.
Suicide among gay youths is much higher than among their straight peers. However, the risk of suicide can be significantly reduced by counseling and an empathic ear. As a psychiatrist, I understand the value of counseling-- being heard and understood can make the critical difference between life and death. That's why I was astonished to learn about Rep. James Lyons' attempt to make it harder for gay youth to seek and receive this much-needed help. He co-sponsored HB1060, a bill that would have severely limited gay teenagers' access to counseling and support.
Gay or straight, all our children deserve an adolescence free of isolation and despair. Rep. Lyons risked the health and safety of these children in order to advance his ideological agenda. Regardless of one's moral beliefs, choosing ideology over kids' well-being is wrong-- that's why I believe it's crucial to oppose Rep. Lyons' re-election November 6th.
Margo P. Goldman, M.D.
Andover
Robert L Homeyer
6:36 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Health insurance covers counseling. If the message here is that you want the taxpayers to cover the costs, you could always provide them for free. The major difference between Republicans and Democrats these days is spending. Democrats want to increase spending and Republicans want to reign it in. I have not read the bill but this seems like a money issue to me. On the topic of bullying, this is a big problem. I am for any laws that try to curtail it.
Bob
11:12 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
I am sure keeping the legislature 86% Democrat will have a major impact on legislation. Further I do believe that a bill supported by one of the 14% will be passed and signed into law by a member of the 86% party! Yea, I do believe it! Let's try to scare everyone that 14% is going to control the state government!
Good grief! This has to be the lamest election in my life time! All dems can do is talk about control of the Senate and State House! Why not talk about your candidates?