Activist Kaylee Sandell speaks at a press conference at the Florida state capital in opposition of HB 1577 (Don't Say Gay bill) on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. Source: Associated Press

Florida 'Don't Say Gay' Ready for Senate Vote

Emell Adolphus READ TIME: 1 MIN.

Florida's infamous "Don't Say Gay" is officially ready for a vote in the Senate, reported WCTV.

Lawmakers reportedly spent hours listening to public input about the bill, which would ban teacher-led discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity and encourage parents to report educators who do.

"If the intent is not to marginalize anyone, let's make sure we aren't," said GOP State Sen. Jeff Brandes told committee members. He offered an amendment to the bill that would cover all inappropriate discussions, no word on what those discussions include, but the amendment failed.

In comments about the bill, educator Tamara Parker of Port Orange called the bill vague.

"I have worked to form relationships with parents in my classroom, and this is not it," Parker told the committee.

But the parents of a tomboy daughter had another take.

"My daughter's school had no issue calling to tell me that she violated the school dress code," said Brady Andrews. "But the current guidance in Flordia schools states they don't have to call and tell me she wants to be a boy."

If the bill passes in the Senate, it will go to Gov. Ron DeSantis to be signed into law, and he has already indicated that he plans to sign it.


by Emell Adolphus

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