RANDERSON FIGHTS HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Oct 2006

Jenny Randerson AM, Welsh Lib Dem Equal Opportunities spokesperson today tabled a Statement of Opinion demanding equal treatment of Homophobic Bullying.

Jenny Randerson AM said "It is unacceptable that victims of homophobic bullying are not given the same level of protection as other victims of bullying.

"I am continually horrified by stories of children who are bullied because they are thought to be gay. In one example a 14 year old was told to change separately from the 'normal' children by a teacher after she had disclosed to a friend that she might be a lesbian.

"All bullying has serious effects on victims, often resulting in failure to achieve their full potential at school. In the worst cases, it can lead to self-harm and even suicide.

"I hope that I am not only raising a Statement of Opinion but raising the profile of a very serious problem."