‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill signed into law by Florida governor DeSantis
Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill is aimed at restricting speech on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms.
Staff video, USA TODAY
A settlement has been reached after litigation over Florida’s critic-called “Don’t Say Gay” law – and both sides are claiming victory.
LGBTQ advocacy groups that challenged the law said it was a “historic settlement” and “nullifies the most dangerous and discriminatory impacts.”
“Today’s settlement reaffirms the rights of Florida’s students and teachers to openly discuss and learn about LGBTQ+ people, marking a victory for free expression and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students, families, and teachers alike,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, in a press release.
But Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office framed things differently in an emailed statement: “(It’s) a major win against the activists who sought to stop Florida’s efforts to keep radical gender and sexual ideology out of the classrooms of public-school children.”
The office pointed out that, as a result of the settlement, the case will be dismissed.
“We fought hard to ensure this law couldn’t be maligned in court, as it was in the public arena by the media and large corporate actors,” said Ryan Newman, the governor’s general counsel, in a statement.
DeSantis signed the law, called the Parental Rights in Education Act, in 2022. The state expanded it last year. It restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Groups including Equality Florida and Family Equality tried to overturn the law, but such attempts failed in federal court. Parents, teachers and students also had joined in on the litigation.
They said the settlement, which was submitted Monday to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, makes clear that the law doesn’t bar classroom references to LGBTQ people and issues. It also does not prevent LGBTQ groups or anti-bullying measures.
The State Board of Education, which was sued along with the Department of Education, is required to send the agreement to every school district under the settlement terms.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com.
