Sen. Scott Dibble explains why the Safe Schools for All bill was not offered during the special session on Monday. Dibble was set to offer the bill in light of recent suicides by gay students in Minnesota and across the country.

And here’s a statement by Dibble and Rep. Jim Davnie:

“We would like to stress that the focus of this bill’s always has been on the kids, parents, teachers and communities that are telling us we have a real crisis that must be addressed – as evidenced by the alarming number of tragic suicides in the past year. Disappointingly, some would politicize this topic and construe it as part of the current gubernatorial race,” Sen. Dibble said. “It is with regard for the safety and success of the state’s children that we are choosing not to have the bill considered during today’s special session. Instead, we will forge ahead with efforts to make it among the priority bills of the 2011 legislative session.”

“In addition, the current Governor has been clear about his position on this topic,” Rep. Davnie added. “He vetoed it after promising to sign the bill in 2009, and he has shown no willingness to reconsider his position this time around. This issue is simply far too important to become political fodder yet again. We believe the best use of time and resources is to make this legislation a priority in 2011, and to work alongside those most affected and communicate the importance of this bill to the incoming Governor and legislators. It is important that we send a message to kids feeling isolated that someone is listening, and that we will do what we can to make it better.”