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Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2022

Did Florida ban the word ‘gay’?

Jacob Alabab-Moser, Gigafact
no

The word "gay" isn't banned throughout the state of Florida.

The Florida legislature did pass a bill earlier this month that prohibits "classroom instruction…on sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The ban also extends to instruction deemed "not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students." Parents may file lawsuits against school districts over violations.

Given the broad language of the bill, it is unclear what constitutes a violation, with the bill's sponsors declining to provide examples. Advocates say the bill gives parents more control over the upbringing of their children while opponents say it will harm LGBTQ+ youth and cause teachers to omit instruction on a wide range of topics for fear of being sued.

If signed by Florida Governor DeSantis, who has signaled his support, the bill will take effect July 1.

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