'Creating boundaries at an early age of what is appropriate in our schools, when we are funding our schools, is not hate,' Harding said. Joe Harding listens during a legislative session on Jan. Joe Harding, the Republican who introduced the bill, said the measure is about 'empowering parents' and improving the quality of life for the state's children. Speaking to legislators on the House floor, Rep. Thursday’s 69-47 vote comes after weeks of national outrage over the measure, which has grabbed the attention of international newspapers, Hollywood actors and the White House.