Within the last year, at least a dozen states have passed or proposed legislation that severely restricts what K–12 schools are allowed to discuss with children about sex, gender and sexual orientation.įor example, Florida HB 1557, just signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, has broad, sweeping language: “Grooming” may be a bit harsh, but it gets attention, and grooming will certainly be easier for sexual predators under the new “Don’t Say Gay” bills. The bill passed by the Florida Senate and House would limit what classrooms can teach about sexual orientation and gender identity. Protesters in front of Florida state Senator Ileana Garcia’s (R) office in Miami on on March 9 after the passage of the Parental Rights in Education Bill, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by LGBTQ activists. Although many supporters of the “Don’t Say Gay” bills believe they are “protecting children,” research makes clear comprehensive sex education can prevent incidences of abuse.
