Protests erupted in and near Florida’s Capitol building on Friday as lawmakers in the state House of Representatives voted to expand the expansion into what was. Public critics called it a “Don’t Talk Gay” law.
The proposed legislation would build on the 2022 Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits discussion 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 the topic in public schools is a form of “indoctrination,” and that it should be taught by parents at home.
The new bill, HB 1069, will create more restrictions on diskussex education, sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 public schools, and will teach that “sex is determined by biology and reproductive function at birth.” This will also limit the way teachers in these schools can use the pronouns that students prefer.
As members of parliament debate the bill thereover 100 LGBTQ+ students and allies walk to the state Capitol. Many flooded the halls outside the House chambers, with others protesting around the building and in areas adjacent to the Capitol grounds.
Protesters outside the House chamber stood in a large circle, chanting “this is what democracy looks like” and “he he, ho ho, Ron DeSantis has to go.” TThe crowd started booing to hear the news of Bill’s speech.
Many Florida Democrats opposed the proposal, saying it was tantamount to gender discrimination, Politico reports.
“This bill is nothing but against a certain part of our society in Florida that they do not exist,” said state Rep. Ashley Gantt (D), according to Politico.
Two GOP lawmakers voted against the proposal. But in Florida’s Republican-majority legislative chamber, the bill is still on the way 77-35. The voting took place on Transgender Visibility Day, which is observed every year on March 31.
HB 1069 is among 10 Florida bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights that have advanced in the current legislative session, as well as hundreds of others nationwide. This includes similar expansions of the Parental Rights in Education Act, such as SB 1320 and HB 1223, introduced by GOP lawmakers in Florida.
The Senate version of HB 1069 is still waiting for the final committee meeting before the proposal can go to the floor for a final vote.