FL GOP Bill Could Ban Pride Flags In Public Schools: Reports

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Republicans passed Wednesday a new bill that would ban Pride flags and flags symbolizing the Black Lives Matter movement in schools and state buildings, per media reports.

House Bill 901 would prohibit government employees and teachers from displaying these flags at public schools, colleges and universities, as well as government buildings.

"A governmental entity may not erect or display a flag that represent a political viewpoint, including, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint. The governmental entity must remain neutral when representing political viewpoints in displaying or erecting a flag," the bill states.

Per media reports, Republican State Rep. David Borrero sponsored HB 901. If enacted into law, HB 901 would take effect on July 1.

HuffPost reported the proposed ban excludes students.

While opponents reportedly believe hatred is the driving force behind HB 901, Borrero told The Associated Press the bill is a protective measure for children. He added lapel pins would also be forbidden.

“Public classrooms should not be the place where our kids go to be radicalized and evangelized into accepting these partisan, radical ideologies,” Borrero said to The Associated Press. “It’s wholly inappropriate to be putting those types of flags in front of public school students and in government buildings.”

Some Florida bills are under a microscope as the LGBTQ+ community is keeping an eye on them, Axios reported Wednesday.

A slew of laws pursued by Gov. Ron DeSantis, reportedly known as "slate of hate" laws, targets the daily way of life for the LGBTQ+ community, Axios said.

"The administration also moved to expand a law — dubbed 'Don't Say Gay' by critics — last year and implemented a book ban targeting books featuring LGBTQ+ identity," Axios reported.

Read more via The Associated Press, Huff Post and Axios.