Florida House To Discuss, Possibly Vote On, Controversial 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The Florida House of Representatives is set to discuss, and possibly vote on, the controversial Parental Rights in Education Bill, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
The proposal being considered says, "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade three or in a manner that is not age appropriate…"
The bill has drawn protests across the state.
Miami high school senior Javier Gomez went to Tallahassee to rally against the bill.
"I'm frustrated, I'm angry, I'm disappointed, I'm scared," Gomez said. "It's just mind boggling that we're in 2022 and we're still fighting for these rights for us to be heard, for us to live in a safe environment."
Opponents fear, if passed, it would limit discussion of many LGBTQ issues between students and teachers.
Democratic South Florida State Sen. Shevrin Jones said a new amendment to the bill could "out" students looking for guidance.
"If a child tells a teacher about their sexual orientation or not straight, that this teacher has six weeks to notify the parent," State Sen. Jones said.
WATCH: Rep Carlos G. Smith On 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
"Bills like the 'Don't Say Gay' bill make this problem worst," said Rep Carlos G. Smith. "Bills like this try to erase us. They try to push us back into the closet, but the censorship part of this is really disturbing."
Senate sponsor Republican Dennis Baxley sent a statement saying, "This bill will help us focus on the priority that our students belong to families and that they are not wards of the state. Parents should decide what is age-appropriate content for their children."
WATCH: Brooke Shafer's Report
Safe Schools South Florida Executive Director Scott Galvin worries it will harm LGBTQ students.
"It's an attempt silence, it's an attempt to make the LGBTQ community disappear. If you can't talk about it in school, if you can't be yourself in school, then you essentially cease to exist," he said.
The bill is on the calendar for discussion on the House floor. It could come up as early as Tuesday.
On the Senate side, it's still in committee with no date for when the full Senate could debate it.
