The bill itself does not specify exactly what conversations or subject topics would be prohibited under this legislation. Supporters argue that this bill is about parental rights: “This bill is about defending the most awesome responsibility a person can have: being a parent,” Harding said on January 20, per The Hill. The “Don’t Say Gay” legislation was introduced by Republican Representative Joe Harding and Republican Senator Dennis Baxley. Below, we break down more details surrounding the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, officially known as HB 1557/SB 1834, and ways you can voice your opposition to the dangerous new law. Now, the "Don't Say Gay" bill has been signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Hayley Kiyoko Fights for Queer Narratives in Mediaįlorida's House of Representatives passed the bill in a vote on February 24, and the Republican-controlled Senate approved it on Tuesday, March 8.
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It further prevents LGBTQ+ youth from seeking guidance from their educators. Titled the Parental Rights in Education bill, or the “Don’t Say Gay” bill as it’s been colloquially referred to by LGBTQ+ activists, the legislation permits parents to pursue legal action if they believe that their child’s school district is violating the “fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children.”Īccording to the bill, these violations include encouraging “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community have slammed the legislation, saying that the prohibition of these conversations isolates LGTBQ+ youth and eliminates open, inclusive learning in schools. In January, Florida lawmakers passed a bill that would gravely impact the ability to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ people in classrooms statewide.