'Don't Say Gay' Bill Signed Into Law In Florida

FLORIDA — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the controversial Parental Rights in Education bill, called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by critics, his office announced Monday.

As previously reported by Patch, the legislation says classroom instruction on "sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade three or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students."

The bill allows parents to sue Florida schools if these discussions take place, and it requires schools to alert parents if there's any change to a student's mental, emotional or physical health.

DeSantis signed the bill shortly after he held a news conference at Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill, Florida, alongside Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls.

"We will make sure that parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination," DeSantis said at the news conference.

The Florida House of Representatives previously passed the bill on Feb. 24, and the Senate followed suit on March 8.

DeSantis previously voiced his support of the bill, and it was considered a near certainty he would sign it into law. Opponents argue that the bill marginalizes LGBTQ people.

"How many parents want their kids to have transgenderism or something injected into classroom instruction?" the governor said earlier this month. "It's basically saying for our younger students, do you really want them being taught about sex? And this is any sexual stuff. But I think clearly right now, we see a focus on transgenderism, telling kids they may be able to pick genders and all of that."

Shortly after DeSantis signed the bill into law, the Walt Disney Company released a statement saying the law should never have been passed and that it should be repealed. The statement further expressed Disney's intention to support national and state organizations working to repeal the law.

"We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country," the company's statement read.

Supporters say the bill would give families more authority over what is said and taught in classrooms.

The Parental Rights in Education bill does not ban the word "gay" in schools, but it would prevent teachers from using lesson plans about gender identity and sexual orientation for kindergarten through third grade.

The bill prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels; requires school districts to notify parents of healthcare services; and authorizes parents to bring legal action against school districts, according to the Florida House of Representatives website.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story is being updated.