In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that prohibits school discussions of sexuality and gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade. DeSantis signed the bill, known by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” despite widespread condemnation from teachers, students and LGBTQ+ rights advocates who say the law will severely impact the mental health of children.
Gov. Ron DeSantis: “I don’t care what corporate media outlets say. I don’t care what Hollywood says. I don’t care what big corporations say. Here I stand. I’m not backing down.”
In a statement, the group Equality Florida said, “DeSantis has damaged our state’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place for all families … This law will not stand. We will work to see it removed either by the courts as unconstitutional or repealed by the legislature.”