A bill that forbids instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade has been signed into law in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis. Many groups have referred to it as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, including The White House.
Public backlash was quick to occur after the measure was first introduced. Some argued that the bill contributed to the marginalization of LGBTQ people.
DeSantis and other defenders of the law claimed that it was reasonable and that school should not be teaching about sexual oriention and gender identity. Florida state senator Dennis Baxley stated that the bill doesn’t actually prohibit the word “gay” from being said in classrooms.
Any alleged violations allow parents to sue school districts. Critics of the measure have argued that its wording is too vague and would therefore lead to interpretations.
“With how much backlash there was, I’m surprised that it actually passed,” said WJPS junior Emily Falsone.
“I feel like it’s going to be removed soon,” said WJPS junior Charlize Goicochea.
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