Currents News Staff
Florida’s so called “Don’t Say Gay” measure, as critics have dubbed it, is now law. On Monday, Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared defiant at the bill signing after months of controversy.
“I don’t care what big corporations say,” said the governor. “Here I stand. I’m not backing down.”
DeSantis referenced Disney’s condemnation of the bill, which has also sparked student walkouts in some Florida schools.
The “Parental Rights in Education” law does not specifically ban the use of the word gay, but it does prohibit instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in Kindergarten through third grade.
Supporters argue the measure gives parents greater oversight over what students learn and discuss at school and that LGBTQ-related topics should be left for families to discuss at home.
“Parents have a fundamental role in the education, health care and well being of their children,” said Gov. DeSantis.
But opponents say the measure negatively impacts an already marginalized community. So far, at least one LGBTQ rights group, Equality Florida, has threatened legal action against the legislation.
“You’re clearly singling out,” said Jeff Delmay of Equality Florida, “clearly discriminating against, in this situation and we feel it.”
Meanwhile, the Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that works on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth released a statement saying “LGBTQ youth in Florida deserve better. They deserve to see their history, their families and themselves reflected in the classroom.”