Tag Archives: Don’t Say Gay

FL Senate Democrats Slam “Let Kids Be Kids” Laws As Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

1 Reply

On Wednesday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis signed several “Let Kids Be Kids” bills into law at ceremony in Tampa. The new laws protect the innocence of children by prohibiting gender identity theory in schools, exposure to sexually explicit performances and puberty blockers and other experimental surgeries. The Florida Senate Democrats were quick to slam these new laws as anti-LGBTQ legislation.

A Democrat spokesperson said, “Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the Governor signed a slate of anti-LGBTQ bills, including an expansion of last year’s Don’t Say Gay bill and a ban on gender-affirming care for minors.”

Several Florida Democrat Senators attacked DeSantis and the new laws.

“These bills take us several steps back as a society that’s fought hard for progress and equality. Being gay or trans isn’t perverse. It isn’t dangerous. What’s dangerous is the discrimination legalized today.

These bills are hypocritical and against the stated values of elected Republicans. They say that they trust teachers, but accuse them of indoctrination. They say they’re for parental rights, but only for the parents they agree with. Let Floridians live their lives freely, equally, and without undue and discriminatory government interference.”

Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book

“The Don’t Say Gay expansion legislation requires a gulf between students and teachers that doesn’t serve either. Teachers will not provide answers to questions students have regarding sexual orientation and students will seek information from other sources that usually are ill informed or untrustworthy. Students will rely on television, social media and their peers for information they should be able to gather from trusted teachers. If we really promote parental rights, let parents decide what is best for their children related to gender-affirming care.”

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson

“These bills are mean spirited, unnecessary and won’t stop people from being gay or trans. What it will do is put a target on their backs and increase the instances of bullying and suicides of LGBTQ Floridians. It will put people like my granddaughter in harm’s way which is why we need to be teaching and legalizing acceptance – not hate.”

State Sen. Victor Torres

“Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, which aims to increase awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression against LGBTQ communities, and it is shameful that Gov. DeSantis chose today to sign legislation into law that erodes Floridians’ rights and freedoms. These continued attacks on the LGBTQ community and young people are at the center of DeSantis’ misplaced priorities and wildly out of step with where Floridians actually are on these issues. Real leaders look out for the safety and well-being of ALL people, not just some. The people of Florida are looking for results and action from their elected officials, not division and attacks on our freedoms.”

State Sen. Shevrin Jones
Lauren Book

 

Broward School Board’s “Don’t Say Gay” Political Stunt Fizzles

2 Replies

Broward Democrats and the their usual allies love a good political stunt especially when at the expense of a Republican governor. A few years ago, a “Pink Slip Rick” protest at the Broward School Board headquarters had activists lining the streets of downtown Fort Lauderdale. Local television outlets beamed pictures of teachers and students holding signs bashing then Governor Rick Scott. Local elected officials, candidates and activists fell over themselves trying to get the media to show how much they disliked Republicans.

The political drama unfolding at Tuesday’s school board meeting should have been a repeat of rallies past. Now, the Democrats on the board were set to debate a resolution opposing Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of parental rights legislation. Designed to keep inappropriate sexual and gender identity topics out of kindergarten, first, second and third grade classrooms, Democrats dubbed the law “don’t say gay” in an attempt to rally their base.

Broward School Chair Laurie Rich Levinson said the proclamation was a sign of “support of gay students, employees and the community.” While several Board members claimed the proclamation was not political, it did state that Governor Ron DeSantis signing of HB 1157 lead to “further “stigmatizing of LGBTQ youth.” Sure it’s hogwash, but that kind of political hogwash should have filled the streets with DeSantis haters and other ne’er do wells.

And when Chairwoman Levinson announced a change in rules because twenty or more citizens signed up to speak, many observers envisioned a long day ahead.

The first five speakers were students from Pompano Beach High School. They supported the proclamation.

Then, six people opposed the proclamation. This group included a Republican running for US Congress and a candidate for the Broward School Board.

Finally, the Broward Democrat machine looked ready to go into high gear.

Another Broward School Board candidate spoke in favor of the proclamation.

Then Broward Teachers Union (BTU) president Anna Fusco addressed the Board. She was followed by perennial whiner Michael Rajner, left-wing Hallandale Beach Commissioner Sabrina Javellana and the president of the Dolphin Democrats.

That was it.

No other elected officials lending their support. No other activists. No members of the African-American community.

A dud.

What happened?

Sure, scheduling will be used as an excuse. But citizens were allowed to call with comments.

Maybe some Democrats saw the issue as old news?

Maybe the Broward Democrat Party’s total disinterest in the Broward School Board is a factor.

But maybe, just maybe, even Broward Democrats sense the prevailing political winds swirling around the Sunshine State.

Why waste a Tuesday afternoon bashing the highly popular Governor DeSantis when he’s going to win anyway?

Chris Nelson opposed the proclamation