US President Joe Biden condemned a new ‘hateful’ Florida Bill. The bill is going to ban the discussion of sexual orientation in primary schools. Here’s all you need to know.
What is the “Don’t Say Gay Bill”?
Florida Bill, dubbed as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, activists believed that it will further stigmatize LGBT people and their issues. However, its proponents are stressing about its ability to protect parental rights. Governor Ron DeSantis signaled his backing and the bill has amassed enough support despite the state’s Republican-led legislature. “The larger issue with all of this is parents must have a seat at the table when it comes to what’s going on in their schools,” stated Governor DeSantis. It was first proposed in the state House of Representatives in January. An identical version of the bill was presented in the state’s senate on Tuesday.
The law is trying to ban or constrain discussions related to the LGBT in classrooms. Surprisingly, this is not the first time such “no promo homo” laws were first heard. Previously, such laws were present in the 1970s and 1980s and correlated with anti-gay rights. Currently, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi have laws that limit or prohibit sex education or limit it to heterosexuals. Additionally, in 2021, Montana and Tennessee adopted laws allowing parents to decide on exposure of discussions related to gender identity and sexual orientation to their children. However, the Florida bill is allowing parents to sue school districts if they believe educators broke the law.
Biden administration denounces Florida bill
“I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protection and safety you deserve,” tweeted President Biden. The US president vowed that he and his administration will fight for their rights.
“Every parent hopes that our leaders will ensure their children’s safety, protection, and freedom. Today, conservative politicians in Florida rejected those basic values by advancing legislation is targeting and attaking the kids who need support the most,” stated Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary. Additionally, LGBT advocates are warning that the Florida bill will lead to the deterioration of mental health in LGBT youth.
