Florida Senators Approve 'Do Not Discuss LGBTQ+ Matters' Bill; Desantis Anticipated to Give Final Approval
In a controversial move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Bill, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, on March 28. The bill, which passed in the House on March 8 with a vote of 22 to 17, restricts discussion and instruction of gender identity and sexual orientation in K-3 classrooms.
The bill's sponsor, Republican Florida Sen. Dennis Baxley, stated that the bill addresses the recent trend of children coming out at school. However, critics, including psychology professor Abbie Goldberg of Clark University, warn that the bill could have dire consequences for LGBTQ youth mental health.
Goldberg believes that discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with young children helps reduce stigma around sexual and gender diversity. Research from 2021 shows that acceptance of gender identities may improve mental health outcomes among transgender and nonbinary youth. Conversely, telling a child not to talk about their gender sends the message that something is wrong with them, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes.
Children who don't feel seen or validated for who they are may experience anxiety, depression, hopelessness, confusion, alcohol and substance misuse, risky sexual behaviors, self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and attempt. Other research findings from 2021 have shown that LGBTQ-affirming schools may help reduce depression and suicidal ideation.
Bethany Cook, a child psychologist and member of the LGBTQ community, states that the bill insinuates that a person has a choice over their sexuality or sexual identity, which impacts their self-worth. Critics argue the bill's ambiguous language could extend beyond the 3rd grade and apply to all K-12 classrooms.
The Biden administration has called the bill "hateful." Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on March 9 that Disney opposes the bill. Several other U.S. states besides Florida have considered or introduced legislation similar to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, aiming to restrict discussions about LGBTQ topics in schools. Notably, states such as Texas, Tennessee, and Arizona have proposed comparable bills with restrictions on LGBTQ-related content and education.
Despite the bill's restrictions at school, parents can promote acceptance at home by offering a safe space, investing in supportive books, standing up for LGBTQ rights, joining or starting a PFLAG branch, or organizing a campaign to support LGBTQ students. Parents can help their children gain access to unbiased information and prioritize the mental health of LGBTQ youth at home, which may help them navigate stigma and bullying.
For immediate help or support, resources such as The Trevor Project, which offers 24/7 crisis counseling for LGBTQ youth, and Stopbullying.gov, which offers resources on bullying prevention and what to do if you witness someone being bullied in person or online, are available.
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