LGBTQ Community Outraged After 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Filed in Louisiana
House Bill 837, filed by Republican state Representative Dodie Horton, would ban any discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through eighth-grade classrooms and prevent teachers and school employees from discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity with K-12th grade students.The introduction of the legislation comes two weeks after a similar bill passed the state Senate in Florida.
The controversial bill, which sparked nationwide outrage and protests, is still awaiting signature from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis before becoming law.Supporters of these bills say they prevent children from learning about topics related to sexuality from a young age and empower parental decisions.
But others argue it is used to silence and stigmatize members of the LGBTQ community.The legislation quickly received pushback from members of Louisiana's LGBTQ community and allies.Sarahjane Brady, executive director of Forum for Equality, warned about the "devastating real world consequences" the legislation the bill would have on LGBTQ youth in a statement to Newsweek on Monday.
She noted that members of the LGBTQ community "already experience higher rates of bullying and suicide."Brady said the bill is "meant to stigmatize LGBTQ people, isolate LGBTQ kids, and make teachers fearful of providing safe, inclusive classrooms.""The existence of LGBTQ students, parents and teachers is not a taboo topic that should be regulated by the Louisiana Legislature," she wrote. "We will not stand by while our elected officials attempt to censor discussions of LGBTQ youth, families, and history.
