Conservative support for gay students.

Illinois Republican John Shimkus isn't on anyone's short list of gay and lesbian allies in Congress, but that doesn't mean he's indifferent to the plight of all gay people. The U.S. representative from Collinsville surprised both gay rights opponents and supporters earlier this year when he sponsored legislation that would deny certain federal finds to schools that do not have gay-inclusive antibullying policies. "He has taken on the breadth of this problem, and that's something the community can support," said Eliza Byard, deputy executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network.

Shimkus wants schools receiving money under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to set rules against bullying--including conduct based on sexual orientation. The bill faces an uphill battle in Washington.