Florida Congressman Carlos Smith speaks during a news conference in the Florida state capitol protesting HB 1577, dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gays’ bill by critics, on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. , in Tallahassee, Fla.
Rick Wilson / AP
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Florida Congressman Carlos Smith speaks during a news conference in the Florida state capitol protesting HB 1577, dubbed the ‘Don’t Say Gays’ bill by critics, on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. , in Tallahassee, Fla.
Rick Wilson / AP
The Florida House of Representatives passed a controversial bill on Thursday limiting when and how teachers and school staff can discuss gender and sexual orientation in the classroom.
Opponents – many of whom have called the measure the “Don’t Say Gay” bill – say it will make life harder for LGBTQ youth who already face life. higher rates of bullying and higher risk of suicide compared with their normal, transgender peers.
But the Republican donor is behind HB 1557 said the purpose was for schools to teach sex and sexuality at the appropriate age and to keep parents informed of what was happening in the classroom.
The law prohibits any sexual or gender-based instruction between kindergarten and third grade” or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students according to state standards. “
It will also ensure parents access to their children’s education and health records and require schools to notify parents “if there is a change in related student services or supervision.” to the mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being of students and the school’s ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students.”
Schools may withhold information from parents if they believe that disclosing such information could lead to abuse, neglect or neglect.
Thursday’s vote drew condemnation from LGBTQ advocates and Democratic politicians in the state.
“As expected, #DontSayGayBill just passed the Florida House of Representatives, but Republican SEVEN crossed party lines to vote against it,” said Rep. Carlos G Smith said in a tweet.
“I want to thank you [the Florida House Democrats] for their consistent ally and also thanks to the group of 7 who saw our humanity and rejected this terrible law,” he added.
President Biden has also previously rejected the proposal. “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community – especially the children who will be affected by this hateful bill – to know that you are loved and accepted as you are.” Biden tweeted earlier this month. “I support you, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protection and safety you deserve.”
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 69-47, according to room website. The relevant legislation is still being considered in the state senate.
It’s unclear whether Republican Governor Ron DeSantis will sign the bill if it gets to him, but he has indicated his overall support for the effort. in an event in early February.
“We’ve seen cases where students were told by different people in the school, ‘Oh, don’t worry, don’t choose your gender, do all this different’. They wouldn’t tell their parents about it. These discussions are going on. It’s completely inappropriate,” DeSantis said at the time.
“The bigger problem with all of this is that parents have to have a seat at the table when it comes to what’s going on in their school,” he said.
