The "Don't Say Gay" bill in the Florida legislature has managed to stir national controversy among parental rights advocates and LGBTQ allies.
State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) attempted to amend the bill today in the Florida House, where his effort to normalize sexual identity was rejected. Now, Florida Republican legislators are reacting to Smith's failed amendment.
The bill as drafted by State Rep. Joe Harding (R-22), aims to eliminate conversations about homosexuality from the classrooms of Kindergarten up to the Third grade, which is still less strict than what many conservative constituents have voiced they would like to see.
Although the Democrats know their minority in the Florida House is not enough to fully kill the legislation, Representative Smith took his shot at amending the bill and softening the blow. His proposal was in regard to the language of, "sexual orientation and gender identity," and changing that to, "sexual activity."
Republicans shot down the amendment, where Smith responded by saying, "It seems as though we are still conflating LGBTQ+ identities as “developmentally inappropriate” in the FL House." However, Republicans will give you a different story.
Evan Power, Florida GOP Chair of Chairs, fired back at Smith on Twitter, rejecting his claims that it was about, "conflating LGBTQ+ identities," and stated in response to the amendment that, "In K-3 neither is appropriate."
Power added, "No teacher in these grades should be forcing these conversations on students, it’s for parents to do."
In K-3 neither is appropriate. It’s called the parents protection act btw. No teacher in these grades should be forcing these conversations on students, it’s for parents to do https://t.co/wchwMEHIGt
— Evan Power (@EvanPower) February 22, 2022
The branded, "Don't Say Gay," bill has gained notoriety beyond the borders of Florida and has sparked a new subject matter in political discourse. Previously, US President Joe Biden (D) called out Harding's bill publicly. Today, over 25 thousand individuals discussed the issue on Twitter.
