Try protecting kids instead of harming people

As the executive director of the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence — MCADSV — for 17 years and lobbyist for the coalition for 19 years, I cannot tell you how many bills I’ve heard claiming to protect children but are poorly disguised attempts to outcast people in our communities. These types of legislation often hurt children in the process.

The Drag Story Hour bill at the Legislature is a prime example.

First, let’s be clear. Child sexual abuse is a problem in our state. I know because it’s an issue MCADSV and our member programs are committed to ending. Advocates at thes...