On Tuesday, President Joe Biden commented on a controversial Florida bill that would not allow sexual orientation discussions in classrooms. He offered his support to the community. The bill would lead to discrimination in an already vulnerable community. The White House took a rare step in condemning the bill.
On Tuesday evening, President Biden tweeted that he wanted “every member of the LGBTQI+ community–especially the kids who would be impacted by this hateful bill–to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are.” He said that he had their back and that his administration would “continue to fight for the protections and safety” that they deserved.
Republicans in the Sunshine State have advanced legislation that has been called “Don’t Say Gay” by opponents. The bill says that state school districts “may not encourage discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that it is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.”
It is difficult to understand what can be considered as “age” or “developmentally” appropriate. The bill would affect children who are vulnerable and who need protection the most for going against the “so called norms” of society. It could increase stigmatization of these communities.
Although the Democrats and LGBTQ advocates strongly opposed the bill, it is advancing in the Florida legislature. Governor Ron DeSantis said in a press event on Monday that schools needed to teach “science,” “history,” and “civics” and more.
We believe schools also need to teach students not to discriminate against those who are different from them as diversity exists in nature as well and not only in humankind. Students are more vulnerable and need more protection at a younger age as bullying is already a common concern. Being different from what is expected, without having a voice to share the difference, could lead to more vulnerabilities and less protection among children.
Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, Kevin Munoz, White House assistant press secretary and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have condemned the legislative action.
