Florida Lawmakers Pass 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Republicans on Tuesday handed a invoice to forbid instruction on sexual orientation and gender id in kindergarten by third grade, rejecting a wave of criticism from Democrats that it marginalizes LGBTQ individuals.

The proposal, which opponents have dubbed the “Don’t Say Homosexual” invoice, now strikes to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is predicted to signal it into legislation.

Since its inception, the measure has drawn intense opposition from LGBTQ advocates, college students, nationwide Democrats, the White Home and the leisure trade, amid elevated consideration on Florida as Republicans push tradition warfare laws and DeSantis ascends within the GOP as a possible 2024 presidential candidate.

Florida Sen. Dennis Baxley, sponsor of a invoice, dubbed by opponents because the "Do not Say Homosexual" invoice, speaks proper earlier than the invoice was voted on throughout a legislative session on the Florida State Capitol, Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Picture/Wilfredo Lee)

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The invoice states: “Classroom instruction by faculty personnel or third events on sexual orientation or gender id might not happen in kindergarten by grade 3 or in a way that isn't age acceptable or developmentally acceptable for college kids in accordance with state requirements.” Mother and father would have the ability to sue districts over violations.

Republican Rep. Joe Harding, who sponsored the measure, and different GOP lawmakers in Florida have argued that oldsters ought to be broaching these topics with their kids, relatively than educators. It will not bar spontaneous discussions of sexual orientation and gender id in faculties however as a substitute is meant to stop districts from integrating the topics into official curriculum, Harding and supporters have stated.