HRC to Sarah Palin: Two Days of Silence, Will You Speak Up?

by HRC Staff

Bristol Palin apologizes, still no word from her mother who should be leading by example

Washington - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - for the second day called on former Republican Vice Presidential candidate and current reality TV show star Sarah Palin to come out against the kind of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment sadly typified by her 16-year-old daughter's posting on Facebook. Willow Palin has since deleted her Facebook page and Bristol Palin has apologized for their behavior, but Sarah Palin has said nothing.

"Sarah Palin's daughter seems to know when an apology is in order, why doesn't she?" said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. "As a mother, she should know to speak up when a child makes hateful remarks, particularly in this cyber age. Anti-LGBT bullying needs to stop and Sarah Palin should be a part of making that happen."

According to media accounts, a former classmate of Willow Palin was watching the program and posted on Facebook that the show was failing. That prompted Willow to respond by saying, "Haha your so gay. I have no idea who you are, But what I've seen pictures of, your disgusting... My sister has a kid and is still hotテ. Tre stfu. Your such a faggot." [sic]

That language is unacceptable. Over the past year a number of teenagers have taken their own lives after being the victims of anti-gay bullying or harassment by other teenagers - most predominantly in the mid-teenage age range of Willow Palin. Sarah Palin has a prime opportunity to give the nation's children a lesson in tolerance - to let them know it is wrong to bully other kids, but has so far remained silent.

To help stop the name-calling, bullying and gender stereotyping that so many students face every day, the HRC Foundation has developed the Welcoming Schools initiative. This innovative program gives elementary school administrators, teachers and parents across the country the tools to prevent bias-based teasing and harassment among elementary school students. It helps kids learn respect and tolerance early on, to prevent violence later in middle and high school.

Sainz added: "Don't squander this opportunity. Apologize for the behavior and make it clear that you stand against hatred and bullying. The teenagers of this country are listening. So are we."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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