(WSNN) SARASOTA – The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill passed through the Florida House Thursday afternoon.
House Bill 1557, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill would restrict classroom discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity.
The piece of legislation, titled the “Parental Rights in Education” bill bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-3 or when it’s not age – or developmentally appropriate. The bill passed 69-47 during a full House vote and debate Thursday.
“We are referring to an entire community of people,” said Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, (D) of Winter Park.
“What is age appropriate? Is it age appropriate for a baby to love their two moms, their two dads? Is it age appropriate for a baby to say, I don’t know if I’m like everyone else, but that’s okay, what is age appropriate?,” said Rep. Michelle Rayner, (D) of St. Petersburg.
While others expressed their thoughts in favor of the legislation.
“I simply see this bill, as a guard against institutions, from diminishing the role of parents,” said Rep. Robert Brannan, (R) of Lake City.
“I’ll be supporting voting in favor of this bill today, and I am not homophobic,” said Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, (R) of Fort Myers.
With the bill headed to the Senate, Project Pride SRQ President, Jordan Letschert says he is concerned for his own five year old son.
“Other parents should be able and willing to tell their own kids that there are different kinds of families and their all filled with love, what the state is trying to say is your different and we don’t want you to be part,” said Project Pride SRQ President, Jordan Letschert.
Pine View High School Senior and class president, Zander Moricz says the fight continues
“It can go through the House, it can go through the Senate, and to the Courts, and all along the way, you’re going to have queer voices and supporters of this group challenging this bill because this bill is unacceptable,” said Pine View High School Senior, Zander Moricz.
HB 1557 will now head to the Senate Chamber, if it passes, it will go to Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign into law, or veto..
Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida will hold a “Say Gay” rally this Sunday at the John Ringling Bridge, you can find more information here.