The Florida State Senate has passed controversial legislation banning teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary schools. Following Tuesday’s vote, the law has now been forwarded to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for signature.
The US federal government criticized the move. Before the vote in the Senate, hundreds of students protested in front of the parliament building in the capital, Tallahassee.
[Mehr Neuigkeiten aus der queeren Welt gibt es im monatlichen Queerspiegel-Newsletter des Tagesspiegel – hier geht es zur Anmeldung.]
The law affects children from kindergarten through third grade. It prohibits teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity “in a manner that is not age or developmentally appropriate for students”.
Critics say this wording means the law can also apply to older children. Democratic Education Minister Miguel Cardona said on Twitter that the law was “based on hatred and discrimination.” Opponents of these laws also speak of “don’t say gay” laws.
Republicans counter that the bill only prohibits these subjects from being included in the official curriculum. However, teachers could still speak spontaneously about the topic when children asked them.
For months, Republicans in Florida have been fighting to give parents a greater say in what their children learn in school. In addition to sexual orientation, it is also about dealing with racism. Last month, the Florida House of Commons passed a bill banning racism from being part of the official curriculum. (AFP)
