The 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Was Passed By Florida Politicians

The Florida Senate has passed a law prohibiting primary school students from discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill, which would prohibit instructors from teaching these themes to children under the age of ten, is expected to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

The bill's opponents claim that it will alienate LGBT youth. Proponents argue that it is about giving parents more control over their children's education.

It's been called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by activists. The Parental Rights in Education Bill is the official name for it.

Between kindergarten and third grade, when pupils are between the ages of five and nine, it is illegal to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity. It also urges school districts to steer clear of LGBT issues "when not age- or developmentally appropriate for pupils."

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, denounced the passage of "hateful legislation targeting vulnerable students" on Tuesday.

She remarked on Twitter that President Joe Biden and his administration are "with LGBTQI+ kids everywhere."

State laws prohibiting or restricting the discussion of LGBT issues in schools, dubbed "no promo homo" laws by detractors, are not widespread.

Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas are the only states in the United States where sex education is explicitly prohibited or limited to heterosexual activity.

The Florida bill also covers student support services, including as counseling, and allows parents to sue schools directly if they believe a teacher has broken the law.

Representative Joe Harding, the bill's proponent in the Florida legislature, has stated that the law is about "empowering parents."

Critics argue that the law's ambiguous language could restrict teachers and students from discussing their lives outside of the classroom.

The bill, which was backed by Republicans, was passed on Tuesday.