Protests erupted in and near the Florida Capitol on Friday as lawmakers in the state’s House of Representatives voted to approve the extension of what critics commonly call it the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The proposed legislation would build on the Parents’ Rights in Education Act of 2022, which bans discussions of gender identity and sexuality from kindergarten through third grade in public schools. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and other Florida conservatives have argued that teaching such subjects in public schools is a form of “indoctrination” and should instead be taught by parents at home.
The new bill, HB 1069, would put further limits on the discussex education, sexual orientation, and gender identity in K-12 public schools and would require them to learn that “sex is determined by biology and reproductive function at birth.” It would also limit how teachers in these schools can use the pronouns preferred by students.
As lawmakers debated the bill on Fridayover 100 LGBTQ+ students and allies march to the Capitol. Many chambers flooded outside the House chamber, while others protested around the building and in areas near the Capitol.
Protesters outside the House floor stood in a large circle, chanting “this is what democracy looks like” and “hey ho ho, Ron DeSantis has to go.” Tthe crowd began to boo when they heard the news of the bill’s passage.
Many Florida Democrats opposed the proposal, saying she is gender discrimination, Political reports.
“This bill just tells parts of our community in Florida that it doesn’t exist,” state Rep. Ashley Gantt (D) said, according to Politico.
Two GOP lawmakers voted against the proposal. But in Florida’s Republican-dominated house, the bill still passed 77-35. The vote took place on Transgender Visibility Day, celebrated every year on March 31.
HB 1069 is among 10 Florida bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights that have advanced in the current legislative session, along with hundreds of others nationwide. These include similar extensions of the Parents’ Rights in Education Act, such as SB 1320 and HB 1223, introduced by GOP lawmakers in Florida.
Senate version of HB 1069 again awaiting the last committee hearing before the proposal can go to the floor for a final vote.
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