FLORIDA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke on Monday in support of a controversial legislation that would prohibit certain school discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation.
DeSantis, a Republican, said that it was “very wrong” for educators and school officials to discuss gender identification with students, adding that in certain schools, students are advised, “Don’t worry, don’t pick your gender yet.” “I don’t think it’s happening here in large numbers.” DeSantis conceded.
It’s the first instance DeSantis has publicly expressed support for a bill introduced by state Republican legislators to prohibit certain conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. When asked about the measure on Monday, DeSantis didn’t specify whether he would sign it if it reached his desk, but his comments looked to clearly indicate he is in favor.
Despite significant criticism from Democrats and LGBTQ organizations, the bill is gaining traction in the Florida Assembly and will be discussed at the Senate Education Committee meeting on Tuesday. According to CNN, a House version of the bill earned a favorable vote from the Education Committee in January.
Opponents of the measure claim that it will further stigmatize homosexual, lesbian, and transgender youth, leading to increased harassment and suicides in an already marginalized group. According to them, the law would remove LGBTQ history from the syllabus and ban teachers from having dialogues with their students about gender identity and sexual orientation.
The bill’s supporters argue that the moratorium is aimed at school districts and that it will not preclude schools from having those discussions if they arise. It would also bar same-sex parents from engaging in classroom activities and teachers from supporting gay lesbian alliance organizations, according to the authors.
Parents will be able to challenge public schools if they suspect a violation under the bill.
The language addressing gender identity and sexual orientation is part of a bigger bill aimed at keeping parents up to date on their children’s school activities.
The law would prohibit schools from enacting policies that would allow school officials to withhold information concerning a child’s emotional, mental or physical health.
The purpose, according to DeSantis, is to create transparency.
