Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to ban school classes on sexual orientation and gender identity for all ages. Such instruction should only be allowed if it is “expressly required” by the state’s educational regulations – or is part of an optional sex education or other health education course, according to a relevant regulation.
According to media reports, this will be voted on at the next meeting of the state’s top education body on April 19.
White House: “Disturbing and Dangerous Trend”
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre called the move “completely wrong” on Wednesday. But Florida is not alone in its efforts. The regulations are “part of a disturbing and dangerous trend” of anti-LGBTQI and anti-trans laws across the country, Jean-Pierre said.
According to media reports, a similar law was also passed in the state of Oklahoma on Tuesday by a chamber of parliament that would ban teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through fifth grade if it came into force.
“don’t say gay”
In Florida, this class is already completely banned from kindergarten through third grade. The ban stems from a law passed last year that opponents have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.” This ban is now to be extended to all other age groups. “There’s no reason why teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity should be part of the public education system from kindergarten through 12th grade. Period,” a DeSantis spokeswoman told ABC.
DeSantis is said to have ambitions for the presidency. The 44-year-old has not yet explained his application. If he were to run, he would first have to defeat former President Donald Trump in party primaries.
