FOX 2 Focus: The Issue of Gay Bullying

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission has passed a resolution condemning the conduct of Michigan Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell.

Shirvell launched a relentless blog campaign against U of M Student Assembly President Chris Armstrong, who is openly gay.

Shirvell was even seen outside Armstrong's house with a video camera and accused Armstrong of being an agent of the devil.

However, it wasn't until Shirvell's actions attracted nationwide criticism that he took a leave of absence from his job.

The 30-year-old state employee is still writing his anti-gay blog. He just made it private. In his view, he is merely exercising his right to free speech.

So, is hate free speech? Shirvell's cyber attack on Armstrong is one of several recent stories involving gay bullying. Sadly, the other headlines involve gay teenagers who have taken their own lives after enduring malicious pranks, cruel words and physical threats or abuse.

FOX 2's Roop Raj talked to some local high school students about life as a gay teenager.

Plus, Kim Phillips-Knope, director of programs at Affirmations, a support organization in Ferndale, Melissa Pope from the Gender and Sexuality Center at Oakland University and Lauren Baker, an openly gay student at OU, joined FOX 2's Monica Gayle to discuss the issue of gay bullying.

Click on the video player to watch these segments. Then we want to know what you think. Post your comments in the section below: