Editor's Note: Rep. Darren Jackson is a freshman legislator from Wake County. As Bob Geary posted on the Citizen and Triangulator blogs Monday night, Jackson, a Democrat, was part of the 59-57 House majority that passed the anti-bullying bill. The House was holding a final reading at press time Tuesday. The Senate already has passed the measure. If the House gives the final OK Gov. Beverly Perdue is expected to sign it into law. Jackson's comments on the House floor before the vote were particularly poignant. We're reprinting them here. —Lisa Sorg

She wrote, "I am the mother of a son with autism. I truly cannot comprehend the reluctance of any legislator to pass this bill. Bullies do exist, and they make life miserable for those unable to defend themselves. In a civilized society, why do we allow this? My son is bright but different. Eccentric some would say. Unfortunately, this difference can be the catalyst for teasing and taunting, sometimes in a subtle form, and sometimes in more flagrant acts involving an emotional and physical violation. I know all too well that children can be cruel. It's up to the adults in their lives to teach them acceptance and tolerance. Students learn more than academics in school, and part of their education should include how to treat others with respect and dignity and look to peers for support, not how to dodge a fist."

We can begin the process of tolerance tonight by taking a stand against bullying for any reason. I know some of you in this chamber have been having these culture wars for many years. This bill is not about that. At least it shouldn't be, and it's not for me. Instead, it's personal, and I apologize for that.

Friends, God didn't make us all exactly alike. Sometimes these perceived differences lead to bullying. Maybe the victim is a girl in middle school who is larger than her male counterparts, and likes sports, and is called a tomboy—or worse. Maybe it's a disabled child with autism who's called freak, weirdo, or even much worse names and is physically assaulted at school. Maybe it's your child, your grandchild, your niece or nephew. Or maybe the victim is a 10-year-old little boy who just finished the fifth grade. Maybe he's real small for his age, the smallest in his class. Maybe he doesn't like contact sports, but instead loves to dance and sing and perform in the school production. He's a natural. Maybe he's a fan of soft colors and likes to wear pink, like his dad. Maybe he's blessed to have his mother's good looks and beautiful skin and soft facial features. Maybe he likes to hang out with girls because he's not rough enough for the boys.

Maybe because of all these things, he's called sissy boy, gay, homo or even worse. Perhaps his father is absolutely terrified of what middle school and high school will have in store for such a wonderful little boy. Maybe his parents or his teachers tried to teach him not to act a certain way or to talk about certain interests in front of other boys because it just leads to more bullying. You might say that they encourage him to hide his true personality. And why? Shouldn't he be free to be himself? He's not hurting anyone. He should be free to be what God made him. He's 10. He doesn't know what he is.

This bill simply says that no child should be bullied even if they are perceived to be poor or disabled or maybe different. This bill's about protecting kids; at least, it is for me. If this bill prevents one suicide, or one school violence episode, then it's a success. If this bill is passed, then it will be a step forward for protecting children—maybe even one close to you.

If you're going to vote no against this bill, at least be honest with yourself about why you're doing it.

I'm going to count my vote as yes. And when my daughter and I, who's serving as page this week, go out to eat and go home tonight, I'm going to go see her little brother, who'll be in bed asleep. I'm going to lean across that bed and kiss my 10-year old goodnight. And I'm going to know that I voted the right way, the way to protect him and other children like him. And if that costs me my seat in this chamber, then so be it.

I hope you'll join me in voting yes.