Controversial ban on gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida instruction extended to all school grades on Wednesday. A move supported by the southern US state’s Republican governor and likely presidential contender Ron DeSantis.
The regulation, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by detractors. Initially limited to kindergarten through third grade. Meanwhile the state Board of Education approved an expansion to classes four through twelve on Wednesday.
The Department of Education, which, like the board, is governed by DeSantis appointees. In between, previously approved the increase, and it does not require legislative approval to take effect.
The new rule states that teachers “shall not intentionally provide classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity. To school students in Florida grades 4 through 12 unless such instruction is… expressly required by state academic standards.”
It also permits an exception if the lesson is “part of a reproductive health course or health lesson. For which a student’s parent has the option to have his or her student not attend.”
Lawbreakers will be suspended
According to the text, teachers who break the regulation may have their licences suspended or revoked.
The move infuriated Equality Florida, an LGBTQ rights organisation.
“Shame on the DeSantis Administration for putting a target on the backs of LGBTQ Floridians,” the organisation stated in a statement.
Republican officials were accused of having a “lust for government censorship.”
DeSantis, who was re-elected in a landslide in 2022. Has made opposing lawmakers, teachers, and corporations he accuses of imposing a progressive “woke” philosophy on others a primary priority of his second term.
In recent months, as the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 has heated up. Besides he has courted conservative voters with contentious plans on education and immigration.
DeSantis, a rising figure on the American right. Meanwhile he is largely expected to challenge former President Donald Trump. While which has already declared his candidature.