Florida Senate Passes "Don't Say Gay Bill"

News | Nithya Kunta | Mar 9th, 2022.

Last month, the Florida House passed a bill that prohibits “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity”. Yesterday, the now dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” bill was passed by the Florida Senate.

Under this bill, lessons about sexual orientation and gender identitiy are banned in classrooms from kindergarten to 3rd grade. Moreover, these discussions should not occur “in a manner that is not-age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards”. The legislation allows parents to sue schools or teachers that violate the rules.

Some have voiced their support for the bill, claiming that the bill is about allowing parents to have control over their children’s education. Governor Ron Desantis himself has signaled support for the bill multiple times.

Many, however, have advocated against the bill, arguing that it will harm LGBTQ youth by reducing representation and inclusion in classrooms. LGBTQ activists and advocates contend that schools should be a safe space to discuss gender identity and sexual orientation, and prohibiting discussions about these topics implies that students should be ashamed or should suppress their identities. In response to the bill, student LGBTQ activists have held protests outside the State Capitol and Disney World as well as throughout the state of Florida. In addition, the bill has gained national attention, and President Biden denounced it as anti-LGBTQ.

The impact of this bill would be widespread. Unfortunately, LGBTQ youth already face higher rates of bullying, depression, and suicide and this bill would only add to the stigma and further exacerbate these disparities.