"Don't Say Gay" - The FIGHT continues! On to the Senate!
Hello LOUISIANA Friends and Allies!
Today was a sad day in the House of Representatives. This horrid homophobic/transphobic bill that Rep. Dodie Horton sponsored passed through the House and on to the Senate for consideration. There were 67 yeas to 28 nays - pretty much via party line vote.
However - this fight is only truly starting!
We have the Senate to educate on the harm this bill will do to our kids. We also have serious questions about how this bill - if enacted - would be enforced (and by whom)? What are the penalties for a student, teacher, bus driver, counselor, staff or administrator in schools who violate this proposed law? Does it apply equally to issues related to heterosexual discussions? (No - it doesn't).
So - we need everyone (EVERYONE) to take a short break and transform your frustrations and negative emotions into constructive ACTIONS that can help us to OPPOSE this bill as it moves on to the Senate for consideration. CARE & SHARE!
Beyond the Senate, if passed, we would encourage the Governor to VETO this bill. If that doesn't "kill the bill", we will be seeking legal remedies through the courts. Not only is this bill one of government over-reach and censorship, it would result in shutting down discussions in extracurricular groups (like the Gay-Straight Alliances) and student/peer support groups for kids and teens who are either LGBTQIA+ or children of same-sex families. Even going to a school counselor to discuss issues related to LGBTQIA+ life struggles would require parental consent. (How many LGBTQIA+ kids could "come out" to their parents in order to get permission to talk with a school counselor???).
This bill is mean-spirited and harmful. It must be opposed!
Your help and support is ALWAYS appreciated... WE THANK YOU!
And - stay strong, friends. Together we will persevere!
FB - Rainbow PAC of Northwest Louisiana
SUPPORT the OPPOSITION!
PS: Due to this being a Louisiana state legislative petition, we ask that only LOUISIANA RESIDENTS sign it at this point in our process. We appreciate support from everywhere - but for now, we need to keep it to LOUISIANA RESIDENTS for the petition. Thanks for your understanding.