Lambda Legal Blasts Florida Governor DeSantis After Signing “Don’t Say Gay” Bill

Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the controversial Senate Bill 1834, known as the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill. The law, which is broad and vague, bans discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grades or where “not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students,” effectively erasing LGBTQ+ students, families, and LGBTQ+ history. The law will also force teachers and other school administrators to “out” LGBTQ+ young people to their parents or guardians, potentially putting them at risk of harm. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2022.

Former Teacher and Senior U.S. Department of Education Official, and Lambda Legal CEO, Kevin Jennings has issued the following statement: 

 “Governor DeSantis will stop at nothing to serve his political ambitions even if it means hurting LGBTQ+ young people, some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“LGBTQ+ youth deserve the same things that all young people deserve: To be seen, to be heard, and to be respected. Schools and curriculums that are inclusive of all young people and their families literally save lives. LGBTQ+ teens are at high risk of self-harm and attempting suicide, but that risk falls by 23% when they learn about sexual orientation and gender identity at school because they learn that they are not alone and that what they are experiencing is normal and their peers learn to respect them. The bill that Governor DeSantis just signed into law does the exact opposite because it further isolates and stigmatizes LGBTQ+ people.

“Governor DeSantis: Our young people are not political pawns. Your abhorrent and dangerous ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ law is illegal, and we intend to challenge it in court.

 “And to LGBTQ+ youth and families in Florida, we say: You deserve better than this, and Lambda Legal is in this fight for you.