TALLAHASSEE (SNN TV) – The proposed expansion of the Parental Rights in Education law — dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics — clears its first hurdle in the Florida Senate.
The law limits teaching sexual orientation of gender identity in grades kindergarten through third grade. According to WFLA, the new bill expands restrictions through eighth grade. The bill’s sponsor, Republican state senator Clay Yarborough, defends this proposal by saying a student shouldn’t have to call someone by another name they don’t feel comfortable with.
Democrats criticized the provision to restrict the use of preferred pronouns in class, saying those kids are going to exist regardless and should feel welcomed.
“Whether this passes or doesn’t, LGBTQ+ people are going to exist. Your children will have to coexist with those same individuals,” says State Sen. Shevrin Jones.
Both versions of the bill must go through one more committee before reaching the chamber floors.
