Spring Hill, FL - Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education Bill,” known nationally as “Don’t Say Gay.”
Students, along with members of the legislature, stood by as DeSantis touted HB 1557, which will now limit classroom discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. The bill says those topics may also not be taught in a way that is not appropriate for students according to state standards.
While speaking about the bill, DeSantis presented a number of materials he said were inappropriate for children. This includes the “Genderbread Man,” which boils down gender identity in an easy to digest way for kids.
“So this is trying to sow doubt about kids, about their gender identity, it’s trying to say they can be whatever they want to be. This is inappropriate,” said DeSantis.
The bill is effective July 1.
Since its inception, the bill has caught a considerable amount of flak from its opponents. At the Oscars ceremony on Sunday (March 27), comedienne Wanda Sykes delivered a barb towards the state about the passage of the bill.
“We’re going to have a great night tonight. And for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night,” Sykes said, making fun of the notion “don’t say gay.”
Disney also publicly denounced the bill, but not after receiving its own backlash for failing to address the bill earlier, angering its employees and numerous LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. In response to Disney, the Human Rights Campaign announced it would no longer accept money from the company.
"To ALL who come to this happy place, welcome. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products is committed to creating experiences that support family values for every family, and will not stand for discrimination in any form,” said the company in a statement released online. “We oppose any legislation that infringes on basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ Cast, Crew, and Imagineers and fans who make their voices heard today and every day," the post reads.”
Additionally, the Florida Democratic Party said it will choose new dates and venues for its Leadership Blue gala, which was initially scheduled to be held at Disney.
Throughout the session, the bill was also decried by a number of Florida’s legislators, including Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando), the state’s first openly gay Latino legislator.
