The state of Florida has expanded the ban on sexual identity and gender education for lower grades to the 12th grade.
The Washington Post (WP) and Reuters reported on the 19th that the Florida Board of Education voted on the same day to pass a new rule that would expand the legal provisions banning gender identity and gender education up to the 3rd grade of elementary school to all public education up to the 12th grade.
As a result, teachers who teach classes on sexual minority issues in Florida could be suspended or expelled under the new rules.
The measure does not require legislative approval, and the Republican-dominated state legislature is considering passing a separate bill extending the ban on gender identity classes to eighth grade, the WP reported.
The vote came as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is about to run for the Republican presidential nomination.
The ‘Don’t say gay’ bill, which was passed last year and caused a national stir due to discrimination against LGBTQ people, played a decisive role in solidifying Governor Disantis’ political position in the hardline conservative camp.
Critics from the Democratic Party, including President Joe Biden, have expressed concern about the possibility that LGBTQ students who are already marginalized by this measure will be further marginalized.
However, there is a conflicting situation as conservative groups, centering on the measures, actively expressed their support for protecting children.
A Reuters and Ipsos poll last month found that 72% of Democratic supporters said they would vote for a candidate in favor of gender identity education in the next presidential election, while 76% of Republicans said they would not support such a candidate.
DeSantis has also been at odds with Disney for years against the “don’t say gay” bill.
To exert influence on Disney, he newly formed the Supervisory Board of the Special Administrative District, where Disney World is located, with his aides.