An anti-bullying bill that includes LGBT students has been given final approval in the North Carolina Senate and now heads to the House. This legislation will cover race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. It would require any school employee who witnesses or knows of harassment or bullying to report the incidents to school officials.

The bill received final approval without debate. On Tuesday, it gained preliminary approval with a 25-22 vote following impassioned arguments on both sides.

Senate Bill 526 05/06/09.

“The NC Senate made history, standing up for the safety of all students, and for the first time passing legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Ian Palmquist, Executive Director of Equality NC. “Although the House has passed similar legislation in the past, we must all keep working hard to get this bill to the governor’s desk, as passage is far from assured.”