Supporters of an anti-bullying bill passed by the Legislature say they worked with the governor's office to fashion the measure, and thus were quite surprised Saturday when it was vetoed.

In his veto message, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said that other laws already cover bullying in schools, so this one was unnecessary. Advocates say it was different, though, because it included 14 student characteristics to be included in anti-bullying training, including disability and gender, according to a story in the Minnesota Independent.

That led to opposition from some groups on moral grounds. Minnesota Independent quotes an e-mail from the  Minnesota Family Council saying the bill "gives preferential treatment and status to homosexuals, bisexuals, cross dressers, transvestites and transsexuals – persons who have sex change operations – by singling out sexual orientation and gender identity or expression for special protection. Homosexual activists will use it as 'leverage' to promote acceptance and normalization of homosexuality, homosexual marriage and unhealthy sexual behaviors."

The bill would have required school districts to provide training on how to deal with bullying, and a group supporting the plan was shocked at the veto, after working with the governor's office to get the wording in final shape.

The Safe Schools for All coalition said in a press release Tuesday that it had gotten "word from his staff that the final version had met every request and requirement the Governor had made."

"By rescinding his compromise and vetoing this widely supported bill, the Governor said he cares more about his political reputation than the safety and education of tens of thousands of Minnesota students he purports to represent," said Stephanie Hazen of the Family Equality Council.