FL Parental Rights Bill Inspires Similar Legislation in Other States

The Parental Rights in Education bill easily became the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent Florida history.  Now, it appears that the legislation has inspired lawmakers in other states to take action.

Newsmax reported today that, "More than a dozen states have introduced Florida-inspired legislation," that would, "prohibit 'gender identity' discussion in school for young kids."

The bill signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), bars classroom instruction in public schools on sexual orientation or gender identity for children in kindergarten through third grade.

This week, Ohio kicked off the list of states that have followed Florida's lead, introducing legislation that would prohibit schools from teaching, "any curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity," to students from Kindergarten through third grade.

The same Ohio bill also bans other practices such as Critical Race Theory and the New York Times' 1619 Project.  This arguably is another move taken from Florida's playbook, as the state banned CRT as early as the 2021 legislative session.

Georgia, Iowa, Alabama, Indiana and Kentucky have introduced legislation with similar language in regard to discussion on homosexuality in the classroom.  Georgia, Missouri, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Iowa and Arizona have all introduced bills to give parents more authority over their children's curriculum.