Florida's Republican-dominated legislature has passed a bill that would ban instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The measure, dubbed the 'Don't Say Gay' bill by opponents, now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.
The bill states that 'classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade three or in a manner that is not age appropriate.' Supporters argue that parents, not teachers, should discuss these topics with children. Republican state representative Joe Harding, who sponsored the bill, said it would not ban spontaneous discussions but would prevent districts from integrating the subjects into official curriculum.
Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates have strongly criticised the legislation, warning that its vague language could lead to lawsuits and a chilling effect on teachers. State senator Tina Polsky said, 'What we really need to be doing is teaching tolerance, caring, loving, anti-discrimination, anti-bigotry. Tell me how this bill does that.' The White House also condemned the bill, with President Joe Biden calling it 'hateful'.
The bill has sparked protests and student walkouts across Florida. Critics argue that it marginalises LGBTQ+ people and could harm vulnerable students. Harding withdrew an amendment that would have required schools to inform parents if a student came out as LGBTQ+, saying it was to avoid 'misinformation'.
Governor DeSantis defended the bill, saying it is about ensuring parents can send their children to school 'without some of this stuff injected into their school curriculum'. The US Department of Education warned that schools receiving federal funding must follow civil rights laws.
