18 attorneys general challenge Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law
Washington DC Attorney General Karl Racine announced that 18 attorneys general have opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law.
Racine’s office said that the law posed a threat to LGBTQ+ students who are particularly at risk to discrimination. In a statement, Racine showed his support for the queer community. “My office has a strong track record of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in the District and across the country to make sure that everyone can simply be who they are and love who they love,” he said. “Florida’s law offers no benefit to anyone and in fact puts children and families in harm’s way.” “We will continue to use all of our authority to help strike down this law and any other hateful, discriminatory policies that threaten people’s fundamental freedoms.” A brief by the attorneys general was submitted in support of a lawsuit brought by several families in Florida who oppose the law.
They stated the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation is “far outside the bounds of ordinary educational decision-making”. States which have challenged the bill all “have curricula in place that allow for age-appropriate discussion of LGBTQ+ issues while respecting parental views on the topic,” according to the brief.
The controversial law banned classroom discussion about gender identity and sexuality for students in kindergarten to third grade.
