United States: Florida wants to ban teachers from talking about sexual orientation

Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on November 18, 2021 in Brandon, Florida.

AP - Chris O'Meara

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In Florida, a controversial bill seeks to ban elementary school teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with their students.

This bill called "Don't say gay" has already received the support of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

But he was immediately denounced by the White House. 

Advertising

Read more

With our correspondent in Miami,

David Thomson

If this law were passed, Florida teachers would no longer have the right to talk about homosexuality with their students and, if not, parents could even file a complaint against them.

Tabled before a Parliament dominated by Republicans, the text has a good chance of passing, especially since it is supported by

Ron DeSantis

, the conservative governor of Florida.

“

We've seen cases where people in schools say to children,

'Don't worry, you don't have to choose your gender right away'

.

And that is totally inappropriate!

“, he said.

Conversely, this text is strongly condemned by the White House.

For Joe Biden, it is “a hateful bill”.

And within his administration, the voice of his Secretary for Transport resonates particularly. 

Pete Buttigieg

 is the first member of an openly gay government in the United States.

Himself married and father of two children, he considers this bill dangerous.

“ 

It tells different children or those who have a different family that there is a problem with them.

And I believe that contributes to the frightening number of suicide attempts among young LGBT people

, ”he said.

“You are loved and accepted as you are,” writes Joe Biden, assuring the LGBT community of his full support without having the power to prevent Florida from passing this controversial law.

I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are.

I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.

https://t.co/OcAIMeVpHL

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2022

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • United States

  • Education

  • Joe Biden

  • LGBT+