The Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill has been passed in 39 states across the nation. The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, also known as the Parental Rights on Education, prohibits conversation surrounding sexual orientation by school personnel or third parties, according to the Washing Post.
Many supporters believe that the bill will give parents the ability to introduce sexual oriented conversations with their children. Prohibited conversation will apply for students in kindergarten through third grade.
If parents find that schools are allowing discussions surrounding the LGBTQ+ community or pronoun identity they will be able to sue by law.
LGBTQ+ members and supporters have also began protesting in response to the ‘don’t say gay’ bill. Members have expressed feelings of inequality and believe that they are being “silenced”.
LGBTQ+ members have also disapproved of the bill indicating that it could be harmful for a students mental health if they are currently questioning their own sexual identity, according to NPR.
“...I don’t care what big corporations say. Here I stand. I am not backing down,” said Florida Governor Ron Desantis.
President Joe Biden has issued a public response to the bill stating that it is “hateful” and attacks those within the LGBTQ+ community.