Arizona Republicans have recently proposed a bill that would punish school teachers, and allow for lawsuits to be filed against them if they do not disclose to parents everything that a student may tell them. This includes disclosing a student’s gender identity and sexuality.

Arizona Republicans claim that this legislation, House Bill 2161, would make it illegal for a government employee to withhold information that is “relevant to the physical, emotional or mental health of the parent’s child,”. Preventing teachers from withholding information about a student’s “reported gender identity” or a request to transition to a gender other than the “student’s biological sex.”

This bill could’ve been suggested without targeting any LGBTQ+ student. Potentially harmful living environments could surface if this law is passed, as not everyone has a safe space to call home. The LGBTQ+ community should not be outed by any person before they are ready to personally disclose to their parent their gender or sexual expressions.

Help keep Arizona students safe by using your voice and signing this petition. Thank you.