By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-987772.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Western New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter called the recent case of bullying that lead to the suicide of a Williamsville teen an "outrage".
Slaughter responded to reporters asking if federal legislation is needed to prevent school bullying.
"It's an outrage. It's so much easier now with the Internet that you can insult and say awful things about people anonymously. Children have been grievously hurt and what has happened here is a real tragedy," said Slaughter.
Slaughter reacting to the death of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer. The Williamsville North freshman was the victim of bullying for years as he struggled with his sexuality.
Slaughter told reporters the Health and Human Services Secretary is working very hard on the bullying issue. Slaughter believes some new regulations under the Education Department could be created.
"Well I'm not unhappy leaving that with the State of New York and (Health & Human Services) Secretary Sebelius and see what she comes up with, and if what she comes up with requires legislation, then certainly we will do it," said Slaughter.
Jamey Rodemeyer recorded a YouTube video message back in May, encouraging others gay teens not give up about who they are and he attracted national attention from pop superstar Lady Gaga.
Over the weekend, Gaga dedicated a song to Rodemeyer's memory.
"Jamie I know you are up there looking at us and you're not a victim, you are a lesson to all of us," said Gaga.
Lady Gaga also kept to her promise that she wrote on Twitter last week following the teen's death. She brought her concerns gay teen suicides and bullying directly to President Obama during a fund-raiser Sunday night.
On Monday, New York State Senator Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx) proposed tough new legislation to prevent bullying in the future.
At a news conference outside Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, Klein said he will introduce a bill in the state legislature to address "cyber-bullying."
"Do something about your children, control your children, otherwise they're going to be punished under very tough New York statute," said Klein.
"If people know there is a tough law on the books and they're going to be punished, they are going to act accordingly," said Klein.