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Homophobic Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, a Republican, signed the controversial Parental Rights In Education Bill, colloquially known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, into law during an event held a charter school - which ironically, wouldn't even have to follow the letter of the law.
DeSantis stated he didn't care what his critics think as he signed the law that limits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in state schools. His office has long tried to deride critics of the bill by calling them "child groomers", attempting to make the tired and homophobic comparison that LGBTQ+ persons are somehow also pedophiles.
This bill drew the ire of many LGBTQ+ supporters in the state and beyond including Disney, the state's largest employer, who had originally not spoken out against the bill until it was already passed in the Florida Legislature. Disney has since paused all donations to politicians in the state and vowed support to LGBTQ+ causes and organizations like the Human Rights Campaign.
In what is surely a flash-point for the rest of Florida's gubernatorial election season, Democratic challengers Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist have both condemned the legislation and vowed to fight it. DeSantis defends the bill saying it reinforces parents' right to control the education of their children, even though this law is aimed at 'protecting' something that so far has not been a problem as sexual education and gender identity are not part of the curriculum.
Critics of the bill say this legislation solely exists to slur the LGBTQ+ community. Equality Florida and the ACLU have both promised lawsuits to be brought against the state.