And the bill allows parents to file lawsuits against school districts they believe violated the legislation. In addition to barring instruction in elementary-age classrooms that touch on sexual orientation or gender identity, the bill will also prohibit schools from withholding information from parents regarding their child’s mental, emotional or physical health.
But critics nicknamed HB 1557 the 'don’t say gay' bill, warning it isn’t necessary and makes some students feel unsafe by singling out LGBTQ material as dangerous and inappropriate. Supporters hailed the need for parents, and not teachers, to have control over such discussions, part of a broader push to control the content of classroom lessons. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has stood up for the bill as it has come under criticism from Walt Disney World, LGBTQ activists, the Biden White House and ' Saturday Night Live.' State lawmakers approved a bill that would prohibit classroom instruction on these issues in kindergarten through third grade. The most recent fight is over sexual orientation and gender identity. Florida classrooms have become a site of regular battles in the culture wars.
