Posted on by Randy Slovacek

Florida Passes Hateful Don’t Say Gay Bill

Florida Passes Hateful Don't Say Gay Bill

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill has passed in the state Senate over bipartisan objection by a vote of 22-17. Eight Republican lawmakers, including the leader of one of the largest child welfare organizations in Florida, voted against the bill in the Florida House.

The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has indicated he will sign it.

The “Don’t Say Gay” bill text prohibits “a school district from encouraging classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grades” and encourages parents to sue schools they feel violated the measure.

An estimated 4.6% of Floridians are LGBTQ and 24% of LGBTQ people in Florida are raising children. 30% of LGBTQ people in Florida are Latinx/Latine, 12% are Black.

Equality Florida issued this statement:

“Let us be clear: should its vague language be interpreted in any way that causes harm to a single child, teacher, or family, we will lead legal action against the State of Florida to challenge this bigoted legislation.

“We will not sit by and allow the governor’s office to call us pedophiles.

“We will not allow this bill to harm LGBTQ Floridians.

“We will not permit any school to enforce this in a way that endangers the safety of children.

“We stand ready to fight for Floridians in court and hold lawmakers who supported this bill accountable at the ballot box.”

(source: Equality Florida)