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February 25,2022

Anna Murray 

On February 24, the Florida House of Representatives enacted HB 1557, often known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. The Republican-backed bill, which would prohibit teachers and school districts from openly discussing gender identity and sexuality in the classroom, passed 69-47 and will now be debated in the Florida Senate. Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican seeking for re-election and widely regarded as a possible presidential candidate in 2024, has previously expressed his support for the bill and is anticipated to sign it into law.

If passed, HB 1557 will restrict sexual orientation or gender identity instruction in kindergarten through third grade, as well as discussion that is not "age or developmentally appropriate" in other grades. It would also give parents the right to sue school districts if they break the law.

The bill, according to the Human Rights Campaign, is dangerous and might jeopardize rights for LGBTQ children. LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. The bill was also denounced by the White House, which claimed that it would make it more difficult for kids to grow up.