Florida News Connection
Originally Posted: March 9, 2022
By: Trimmel Gomes
LGBTQ advocates are turning their focus to
encouraging words for young people who are gay, following passage of
Florida's "Parental
Rights in Education" bill.
Dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics, it would limit what is
taught about sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, and ban it
"in Kindergarten through Grade 3, or in a manner that is not
age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with
state standards."
State Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami, who is openly gay, has shared emotional
testimony against the bill. Knowing it was about to pass, he turned attention
to those affected.
"I want to speak to the boy or girl, the trans boy or the trans
girl," he said. "I want to tell them that you're wonderful, you're
not confused, and there is a community of people who love you, who support you,
and who are rooting for you."
Proponents argued that certain topics should be left up to parents. The bill
also would allow parents to sue schools or teachers that engage with these
topics. Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated his support, and if it is signed into
law, it would go into effect July 1.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Health and
Human Resources, LGBTQ youths are more likely to attempt suicide than non-LGBTQ
teens. Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, an openly gay lawmaker, called
it "disingenuous" for the bill sponsor to claim it's about parental
rights.
"Gov. DeSantis' own press secretary used the 'Don't Say Gay' bill this
weekend to accuse opponents of the legislation of pedophilia," he said,
"which is a despicable and disgusting attack on our community."
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Joe Harding, R-Williston, said it would not prohibit
people from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation in classrooms, but
would ban curriculum and lessons on these topics. The
Biden administration has denounced the legislation.
Support for this
reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
Content for this Post is provided by Florida News Connection, a Bureau of Public News Service. Public News Service is a member of the The Trust Project.
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