Shannon McGuigan
What is the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill?
Also known as the “Parental Rights in Education” bill but currently revered as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, is a piece of legislation that states “the classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through [third grade]” or “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standard” for students in other grade groups.
“Parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed this piece of legislation in a ceremony surrounded by administration officials and children. Whilst welcoming this anti-LGBTQ+ piece of legislation, DeSantis declared that the bill will guarantee that “parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination”.
Additionally, this legislation permits parents to sue a school district if they believe the legal requirements of the legislation are not being fulfilled by an educational body or the school district. The bill also has invasive aspects where it impedes school support staff from keeping student information regarding their “mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being” confidential.
What does “Don’t Say Gay” mean for Floridians?
“The escalation of state policies that are harmful to LGBTQ people will only heighten and intensify experiences of rejection and discrimination and could lead to an increase in suicidal ideation.”
Now that this piece of legislation has been introduced into law, prohibits any classroom teachings regarding gender identity and sexual orientation in the state of Florida. Many opposing the bill and advocating against it have spoken out claiming that the legislation will only further marginalise LGBTQ+ youth.
The LGBTQ Awareness Organisation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention came forward with a joint statement warning against the law and expressing the harm it could cause an already marginalised community that reports worryingly high rates of seriously considering suicide.
In the statement, both organisations voiced that researchers “largely agree” that a part of the reasoning behind exponential rates of suicidal thoughts, attempts and poor mental health among LGBTQ people is a result of “the social stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that contributes to the minority stress of being LGBTQ”. Continuing, the organisation also declare that the acceleration of state policies such as these, that are openly anti-LGBTQ+ “will only heighten and intensity experiences of rejection and discrimination” and “could lead to an increase in suicidal ideation”.
How has the United States responded to DeSantis’ legislation?
Olympic Gold medalist and famous trans public figure, Caitlyn Jenner has expressed her vehement support of the bill, furthering her support of DeSantis and his anti LGBTQ+ ideologies and laws. Jenner went on to express her disappointment concerning the backlash DeSantis has received as a result of the bill, especially from Disney. On the right-wing news platform Fox, Jenner stated that “This legislation that supports parents and the parents are the ones that are paying Disney to go to Disneyland and it’s unfortunate to see them react this way”.
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. https://t.co/OcAIMeVpHL
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2022
President Joe Biden has come forward to express his condemnation of DeSantis’ bill in Florida describing the legislation as hateful. The 46th and current President of the United States expressed his continued support for the LGBTQ+ community, wanting every member, especially the children who will be affected by the legislation to know “that you are loved and accepted just as you are.” he continued declaring that “I have your back, my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.”
Featured image courtesy of Y y on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here.
ShannonMcGuigan
Shannon McGuigan is one of our Editor in Chiefs at Empoword. She is a trainee journalist studying the News Journalism MA course at Cardiff University and is also freelancing in her spare time! She enjoys crying about shorthand and going on long walks with her rescue dog.