Joe Biden tells LGBTQ+ community they “are loved” as Florida advances “hateful” bill
Joe Biden has promised to support the LGBTQ+ community as Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill makes its way through state legislature.
The bill, which is part of a Parental Rights in Education proposal, is being sponsored by Republican State Senator Dennis Baxley.
LGBTQ+ activists are fearful that if Senate Bill 1834 is signed into law, it could have the power to totally limit any discussions or lessons on identity, the community’s history and the oppression it has faced.
On 8 February, The White House tweeted that “conservative politicians in Florida advanced legislation designed to attack LGBTQI+ kids.” It added: “Instead of making growing up harder for young people, @POTUS is focused on keeping schools open and supporting students’ mental health.” Responding to the tweet, President Biden condemned the “hateful bill” and promised to “fight” for the LGBTQ+ community during his time in office in a rare intervention from America’s head of state. “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,” he explained. “I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.” The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill was approved by the Senate Education Committee in Florida on the day of the President’s tweet.
