A new poll shows a slim majority of Americans in support of Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would ban the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity to children in grades kindergarten through third.
The bill, formally titled HB1557, the Parental Rights in Education Act, has passed both the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate and is awaiting the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis despite massive protests from the LGBTQ+ community.
The law prohibits the teaching of “sexual orientation or gender identity” in kindergarten through third grade. Introduced by two Florida lawmakers and supported by DeSantis, they say the bill’s goal is to “empower parents” in their children’s education and force teachers to recognize the difference between “instruction” and “discussion.”
The proposed law has sparked controversy in Florida, where Disney workers are planning to strike during breaks every day this week to protest CEO Bob Chapek’s “slow response” to public criticism of the law.
Disney has since succumbed to pressure from the left and stopped all political donations in Florida in response to the law.
However, a new 2005 poll of registered voters by POLITICO/Morning Consult showed they support several of the bill’s points.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to sign bill HB1557 on parental rights in education.
Demonstrators head to St. Pete’s Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida on Saturday, March 12, 2022, as they march to protest against the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill passed by the Republican-led Florida Legislature and now marching. his way to Governor Ron DeSantis’ table
When it came to “banning the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade,” 51 percent of respondents were in favor, and 37 percent of those surveyed said they were “strongly supportive.”
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.
While 23 percent are strongly against it, just 34 percent say they are against the bill.
When it comes to “restricting lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity after third grade to age-appropriate discussions,” those polled were also supportive, with 52% saying they supported this aspect of the bill and 32% strongly supported it, while only 33% percent were against.
One aspect of the bill that caused controversy was “allowing parents to sue school districts over alleged violations of sexual orientation and gender identity discussions in schools.” Only 41 percent of the respondents were in favor, and only 26 percent strongly supported. The majority, 43 percent, were against the rule, with 30 percent strongly opposed.
A total of 56 percent of those surveyed said they had heard a lot or little about the law, and only 19 percent said they had heard nothing at all.
Voters were divided on the teaching of race in schools. Even the current issue of critical race theory has more support than LGBTQ+ teachings in schools.
Only 29 percent of voters strongly support (40 percent overall support) a ban on CRT teaching in public schools, while 28 percent strongly oppose and 43 percent oppose overall.
Another 46 percent of voters oppose allowing parents to sue for violations of the teaching of CRT in schools, and only 36 percent are against.
Republican lawmakers promoting the law argue that parents, not teachers, should talk to their children about gender issues in their formative years.
The bill prohibits “instruction in the classroom by school personnel or third parties about sexual orientation or gender identity.”
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 a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being,” which LGBTQ advocates argue could result in some students issuing them to their parents without the knowledge or consent of the student.
The law has drawn the attention of President Joe Biden, who called it “hateful,” as well as other Democrats who claim it demonizes LGBT people.
The legislation has been sent to Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it.
The law has drawn the attention of President Joe Biden, who called it “hateful,” as well as other Democrats who claim it demonizes LGBT people.
The Florida legislation advocated by DeSantis is part of a nationwide effort by Republicans who believe they are wresting control from liberal policies that they say are undermining traditional family values.
The proposed law has sparked controversy in Florida, where Disney workers are planning strikes during breaks every day this week to protest CEO Bob Chapek’s (pictured) “slow response” to public criticism of the law.
Earlier this week, Chapek issued a statement on behalf of Disney in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Strike leaders at Disney said that while strikes during breaks are “protected” actions, workers involved in the larger strike on March 22 would not be immune from the consequences.
“Take into account your situation before deciding to participate,” their website notes.
Disney did not respond to an emailed inquiry on Wednesday about whether strikes during breaks affected work this week.
As the state’s largest private sector employer – Walt Disney World outside of Orlando employed more than 75,000 people before the coronavirus pandemic – Disney has invested vast sums of money in Florida’s political parties and politicians and wields incredible influence over the state government. .
Early last week, Capek sent a message to Disney employees reaffirming the company’s support for LGBTQ rights, and also said that corporate statements often do little to change opinion and can be a “weapon” for either side.
The Florida legislation advocated by DeSantis is part of a nationwide effort by Republicans who believe they are wresting control from liberal policies that they say are undermining traditional family values.
President Biden himself called the bill “hateful” last month in a tweet that similarly reassured members of the LGBT community that his administration would “fight” to protect their rights, especially gay or transgender children who would be affected by the law. bill
Psaki defended Biden’s position on the Florida Republican school bill when she was questioned by a reporter about the anti-gay vote he passed as a senator in 1994.
Similar moves are being made in other Republican-led or Republican-leaning states, mostly in the South.
They include Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to designate as “child abuse” medical procedures that are considered standard care for transgender teenagers in progressive states.
Liberals such as White House press secretary Jen Pskai criticized the bill, calling it “appalling” and “a form of intimidation.”
DeSantis responded to Democrats for exaggerating the scope of the bill.
Psaki said the bill “would discriminate against families and children, put these kids in a position where they don’t get the support they need when it’s exactly what they need.”
Its text states that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not be provided in kindergarten prior to grade 3 or in a manner that is not appropriate for the age or developmental level of students in accordance with state standards.”
DeSantis has repeatedly stressed that he only bans formal LGBT-themed classes for children from kindergarten through third grade. Parents who break these rules can sue teachers.
If signed, it will enter into force on July 1.