Florida Moves To Restrict Teaching About Sexual Orientation As House Passes ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
On Thursday, Florida’s House of Representatives passed the Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill backed by Republicans would restrict teachers and school districts from openly discussing gender identity and topics surrounding sexuality in the classroom. As CBS News notes, it passed 69-47. It now moves to the Florida Senate for further debate.
Introduced by Republican Rep. Joe Harding, the bill prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, and, in other grade levels, bars discussion that is not “age or developmentally appropriate.” It would also allow parents to sue school districts that go against the law: “I believe in the idea that creating boundaries at an early age of what is appropriate in our schools—when we are funding our schools—is not hate,” said Republican Joe Harding, the sponsor of the bill. “It’s actually providing boundaries, and it’s fair to our teachers and our school districts to know what we expect.”
CBS Miami reports that if the bill is passed, the legislation would go into effect for the 2022-2023 school year.
While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled support for the bill, he has noty yet said whether he will sign it if it reaches his desk. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden tweeted on Feb. 8, “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.”