LGBTQ + supporters, students, Democrats, the entertainment industry and the White House have denounced what critics call a “do not say homosexual” bill. The issue has led to a clash between DeSantis and Disney, a major player in the Florida tourism industry. But the legislation also pushed Florida and Descadis, a potential candidate for the 2024 presidency, to the forefront of U.S. cultural wars. DeSantis and Republicans say the measure makes sense, and parents, not teachers, should discuss sexual orientation and gender identity with their children. DeSantis signed the bill Monday after a press conference at the Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill, north of Tampa. The school was founded by Anne Corcoran, the wife of state education commissioner Richard Corcoran, the Gainesville Sun reported. “We will make sure that parents can send their children to school for education and not catechism,” DeSantis said before signing. He and other speakers stood on a step with a placard that read “Protect the children / Support the parents.” “The vast majority of parents are opposed to injecting this kind of material into their children,” the governor said, adding that it was “educational material for trans people”, according to local media. DeSantis said many in Hollywood opposed the Florida bill. “If the people who held Harvey Weinstein are against our parents’ rights, I’m wearing it as a badge of honor,” he said, referring to the disgraced filmmaker who was found guilty of rape. “I’m not going back,” DeSantis added. Critics say Florida law is so vague that speech could be silenced in public schools. The bill states: “Teaching in the classroom by school staff or third parties about sexual orientation or gender identity is not allowed in kindergarten until the third grade or in a way that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students according to with state standards “. Parents can sue school districts for violations. “We insist that parents have the right to participate,” DeSantis said.
