08. June 2022 – 14:57 watch
by Hanna Klouth, USA
A new law will come into effect in Florida schools from July 1st. Gov. Ron DeSantis calls it the “Parental Rights in Education” bill. Opponents just call it “Don’t say gay” the “Don’t say gay” law.
From pre-school up to and including third grade, the law will in future prohibit talking regarding sexual orientation or gender identities in the classroom. Words like gay, lesbian or trans are therefore banned, say opponents of the law.
Many schools do not know what to expect
“It’s just a stupid law” – Sawyer Robbins, from near Tampa Florida, although he’s only eight years old, has a very strong opinion on the new law. “It’s unfair,” his 10-year-old sister Charlotte agrees. “Other kids whose parents are straight can talk regarding their parents and we can’t?”. The two have always been upfront regarding the fact that they have two mothers – mother Kallie and her partner Bethany – at school. From the next school year, they are no longer so sure what they are allowed to do and what not.
That uncertainty is precisely the problem, say opponents of the law, including Scott Galvin, executive director of Safe Schools South Florida. Because the words gay, bi or trans are not explicitly mentioned in the legal text. Many schools don’t even know exactly what to expect – teachers, students unsettled.
“Of course, a lot of people interpret talking regarding sexual orientation as sex education, and some misinterpret that on purpose because they want to, but of course no one talks regarding sex in daycare with kids,” explains Scott Galvin.
“Will inevitably result in LGBT youth being treated horribly”
But proponents of the law, like Florida Gov. DeSantis, believe that just talking regarding children’s sexual orientation or gender identities “sows doubt.” Parents would not want that, he explained at a press conference. The law is all regarding giving parents the right to know what their children are being taught and what is going on in their child’s mind. The law also gives them the right to sue the school.
And it’s this part that makes friends Maxx Fenning and CJ Walden fear the ramifications of the law. Both have been involved in the LGBTQ community for years. With their organization PRISM, they provide young people with information regarding the community and want to be a support.
“It sends the message that this discussion regarding our very existence is inappropriate,” says Maxx. “It stigmatizes our identity, our community, and will inevitably result in LGBT youth being treated horribly.” And CJ adds:
“When I came out I was bullied, it was scary. And for the students who aren’t lucky enough to have supportive parents like me, schools are their safety net – that’s where they can talk to teachers, the guidance counselor . This law threatens that safety net because the teacher now has to come out to their parents, even if they’re homophobic.”
LGBTQ children are explicitly excluded, they fear, and will be deprived of all help and support through this law.
More than 12 other states are considering similar laws
A culture war fought on the backs of children. Opponents like Scott Galvin say there’s only one reason DeSantis wants to position himself for the presidential race now. “It’s a politically calculated, purposeful move. Turning back the clock when it comes to minority rights in this country, that’s a purposeful thing and will confuse kids to death and scare some adults like me because I remember how it was 50 years ago years ago when we had no rights.”
More than 12 other states are now considering passing similar laws. A culture war that’s not just happening in Florida’s classrooms, but across the country.
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