TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate passed the controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill on Tuesday afternoon.
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Supporters say the bill reinforces parental rights, while critics say the bill is vague and targets children who are already at risk.
The bill bans the teaching of sexuality in kindergarten through third grade as well as later discussions if they happen in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.
But what is not age-appropriate is not defined.
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The bill will now go to the governor’s desk for his signature.
HB 1557 - Parental Rights in Education, also called the "Don't Say Gay" bill passes the @FLSenate 22-17.
— Christopher Heath (@CHeathWFTV) March 8, 2022
It now heads to @GovRonDeSantis https://t.co/IV9kxKBl4E
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled his support of the measure.
The bill sponsor said it gives parents more oversight over these topics.
“We don’t want the social engineering of trying to guide children in a direction, which is very tempting when you are responsible for their growth and development,” said State Sen. Dennis Baxley.
Critics call it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and believe it is an attack on the LGBTQ students.
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“What needs are being addressed here? These are not issues that Floridians are telling us to come to Tallahassee to fight for,” said State Sen. Lauren Book.
Once the bill is signed, it will go into effect on July 1.
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