Activists rally against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law
On March 8, 2022, the Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill with a 22-17 vote. Gov. Ron DeSantis. R-Flor., has not yet approved the new bill, but has indicated that he will do so. If signed, the bill will take into effect starting July 1, 2022.
The Parental Rights in Education Bill states that “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in K through three or in a manner that is not age appropriate…” If a teacher were to violate this rule and discuss sexual orientation or gender identity in a K to three class, or if it is not “age appropriate,” parents under this bill have the right to sue the school.
Members and activists for the LGBTQI+ community are withstanding this change, stating that the bill will seclude members and families of the LGBTQI+ community in a school setting. The vagueness of the words “age appropriate” are among many of the concerns, and critics of the bill believe that the flexibility of the word will restrict discussions that students can have with their teachers regarding their gender identity.
However, Rep. Joe Harding. R- Fl., in a response to this growing issue, stated that the word “gay” is never mentioned in the bill, nor is the term LGBTQI+. “The parent has the right to be engaged in the education of their children,” Harding said during an ABC News interview. “Nowhere in the bill do we eliminate discussion. I value our teachers and the relationships that they have with their students tremendously.”
Student activists groups across Florida have rallied against the bill as well. Jack Petocz, a junior from Flagler Palm Coast High School, was temporarily suspended from school after he initiated a walk – out protest against the bill and handed out pride flags. In the following days, numerous rallies have taken place throughout Florida, including St. Pete, Palm Beach County and Tampa.
On a national level, President Joe Biden has criticized the “Don’t Say Gay” bill with a twitter post. “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 protections and safety you deserve,” President Joe Biden wrote.
