Tallahassee, FL - An amendment to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill could actually make the proposal more of a “Don’t Say Sex” bill. This is after Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) filed an amendment on Friday (Feb. 25) that would change the ban on classroom instruction in K-3 grades about “sexual orientation or gender identity” with a ban on “human sexuality or sexual activity.” Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) has been an outspoken opponent to the overall bill, but he has recently spoken out in support of Brandes’ amendment. Smith—the states first openly gay Latino legislator—believes Brandes’ amendment will de-escalate opposition to the bill by removing the language that essentially targeted the LGBTQ+ community. The bill, with the amendment in tow, is now headed to the floor of the state Senate for discu
The bill bans class lessons on gender identity or sexual orientation for grades K-through-3. Lessons for older kids must be “age-appropriate” as defined by state standards.
The Florida House passed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill Thursday after an emotionally-charged debate. The bill picked up one Democratic vote. Seven Republicans voted no on the legislation.
Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) says he believes the bill is a personal attack on LGBTQ youth in Florida.“It puts children in harm's way. It results in the erasure of LGBTQ students, families and history in our schools," Guillermo smith says.