A new poll has shown that more than half of the voters likely to take part in Florida’s Democratic primary this summer support the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The poll, commissioned by the local political action committee Floridians for Economic Development, asked 701 likely voters what they think of legislation — officially the Parental Rights in Education Act — that limits LGBTQ discussion in schools.
The bill explicitly bans teachers from talking about sexual orientation and gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade, and also restricts discussion of these topics in other grades.
It also allows parents to sue school districts for alleged violations of sexual orientation and gender identity prohibitions, and requires teachers to notify a student’s parents of a change in student services or monitoring related to the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health. what LGBTQ advocates claim could lead to students being exposed to their parents.
The poll found that 52 percent of Democratic voters polled, approximately 365, oppose the policy championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, saying that students in this age group should not be taught about sexual orientation or gender identity in class.
Another 12 percent said they were unsure of their position on the bill.
Only 36 percent of those polled said they oppose the law.
The poll found that 52 percent of Democratic voters polled, approximately 365, oppose the policy advocated by Governor Ron DeSantis, saying that students in this age group should not be told about sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom.
The bill was backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (pictured last week), who is expected to sign the bill passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.
The results come just days after a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll showed a majority of Americans support the leadership, with 51 percent of 2005 respondents saying they support the bill.
Only 34 percent said they were against the bill.
Demonstrators head to St. Peter’s Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday, March 12, 2022, during a protest march against the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The results show that despite the protests seen across the country, including walkouts and protests by Disney and Disneyworld employees enraged by CEO Bob Chapek’s lukewarm response to the law, not only do most American voters support the bill, but so do most Democrats in Florida. do also.
The results also show that activist opposition to last week’s bill is likely to backfire.
The ruling, which will become law on July 1, has been widely condemned by Democrats and the media since it was passed by the State Senate on March 14.
What is the Parental Rights in Education Bill?
HB 1557 was represented by two Republican members of the Florida Legislature – Representative Joe Harding and Senator Dennis Baxley.
They say the bill’s goal is to “empower parents” to educate their children and force teachers to recognize the difference between “instruction” and “discussion.”
“What we forbid is instructing them in a certain direction,” Baxley said of how teachers lead students in the classroom.
“Students can talk about anything, but sometimes the correct answer is, ‘You really should talk to your parents about this.’
The bill applies to children from kindergarten to third grade.
It states that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties regarding sexual orientation or gender identity may not be provided.”
It also requires school districts to “adopt procedures for notifying a student’s parents in the event of changes to a student’s services or monitoring related to the student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.” disclosed to parents without the knowledge or consent of the student.
It was passed on March 8 by a vote of 22 to 17. The State Chamber approved the bill late last month. DeSantis said he would sign the bill. It will enter into force on July 1.
The White House called the bill a “form of bullying” hours after it was passed, with press secretary Jen Psaki, 43, saying it “would discriminate against families and children, put these kids in a position where they don’t get what they need.” support them.” at a time when that’s exactly what they need.”
President Biden himself called the bill “hateful” last month in a tweet that similarly reassured members of the LGBT community that his administration will “fight” to ensure their rights are protected, especially gay or transgender children who would be harmed by the law. bill.
“I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community, especially the kids who will be affected by this hateful bill, to know that you are loved and accepted for who you are.
The president, who previously supported a ban on federal funding for schools that “encouraged or supported homosexuality as an alternative to a positive lifestyle” as a senator in 1994, added, “I will shut down your support and my administration will continue to fight for protection.” and the security you deserve.
Celebrities on the left also spoke out against the legislation, including stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Mark Hamill and Shawn Mendes.
This week, Disney employees at several Disney locations across the country, as well as various subsidiaries including Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm, went on strike to protest CEO Capek’s “slow response” to public criticism of the law.
On Tuesday, employees gathered outside the company’s main headquarters in Burbank, California, and footage was posted on social media of dozens of employees marching outside the office chanting, “Say gay! Say gay!
The protests followed a week of small strikes during employees’ 15-minute day breaks.
The backlash also saw Florida citizens take to the streets to protest the measure.
Disney has since succumbed to pressure from the left and stopped all political donations in Florida in response to the law.