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It's a dark day in The Sunshine State.
After weeks of tense debate and attempted amendments from Democrats the Republican majority in the Florida State House passed the controversial "Parental Rights" bill, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, by a vote of 22-17. Democrats were joined by two Republicans in voting against the bill.
This bill will make it illegal for any teacher in the state to discuss or address sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary school. Debate waged for weeks with public outcry. Thousands of high school students across the state walked out last week in protest, even occupying the State House in Tallahassee. Despite the efforts from citizens and businesses across the state, the GOP-led bill passed and has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.
Equality Florida has been outspoken against this bill since it can directly cause damage to youth who may be wondering what their place is in this world. As any LGBTQ+ person can tell you, most of us knew we were gay at a very early age. Equality Florida and the ACLU have already announced they plan to challenge the constitutionality of this bill. See Equality Florida's full statement below.
As someone who just made Florida our new home, my husband and I cannot wait to vote this November and work to remove the hate in the State House. It's a truly disgusting and disappointing development from the state that bore the brunt of the worst attack on LGBTQ+ people ever in the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting just six years ago.