Florida expands ‘Don’t Say Gay’ education ban to all grades
Al JazeeraNov 26, 2022
Florida Expands 'Don't Say Gay' Bill to All Grade Levels
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Image copyright: Reuters [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
The Florida Board of Education on Wednesday approved an expansion of the Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed the "Don’t Say Gay" bill by opponents, to restrict teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The law bans such topics from the classroom unless expressly required by state academic standards or as part of optional reproductive health lessons, with teachers who violate the restrictions risking their credentials.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Humans are immensely confused and impressionable, especially in their teenage years, which is why the LGBTQ+ curriculum should not be allowed in any K-12 classroom. Currently, activist teachers are trying to indoctrinate vulnerable young people with sexualized and politically-motivated agendas. Using seemingly inane resources like picture books and toys to brainwash kids into thinking they are transgender — a psychological condition affecting 0.6% of the population — is completely immoral and should be banned.
Democratic narrative
Ron DeSantis is on a crusade to wipe out LGBTQ+ civil, healthcare, and educational rights for both minors and adults. He is determined, not to shield young children from pornography, but rather from the existence of anyone who defies the hetero- and cisnormative ideals of the GOP. Florida has become a hellscape for LBGTQ+ people and their advocates. We can only fear for the future, as it now seems that DeSantis is looking to bring his agenda to the national level by running for president.
