Ron DeSantis signs controversial bill called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ by critics

CNN — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation banning certain instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom, approving the controversial measure that opponents have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Social support is vital for suicide prevention, and I want to remind LGBTQ youth in Florida and across the country that you are not alone.” The new law states that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” Conservatives argue that HB 1557 is needed in order to give parents greater oversight over what students learn and discuss at school, stressing that LGBTQ-related topics should be left for families to discuss at home. “My Administration will continue to fight for dignity and opportunity for every student and family – in Florida and around the country.” In addition, the new law would require districts to “adopt procedures for notifying a student’s parent if there is a change in the student’s services or monitoring related to the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being,” something LGBTQ advocates argue could lead to some students being outed to their parents without the student’s knowledge or consent. The group said in a statement last month that “LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity – including schools – reported lower rates of attempting suicide than those who did not.” Student walkouts and Disney’s condemnation Opponents of HB 1557 spent much of this year mobilizing against it, with Gen Z advocates being some of its most visible objectors.