On January 11, 2022, House Member Joe Harding introduced House Bill 1557, titled Parental Rights in Education. Critics often refer to the proposed bill as the “Do not say Gay” bill. The bill would ban public school districts from teaching about all sexual orientations or gender identities in kindergarten through the third grade or “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” Moreover, this bill would allow parents to sue the school if they believed it violated any law provisions.

This bill, if passed, can potentially harm the mental health field and the safety of your constituents by depriving this young community of a potential sanctuary. According to the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of the students who identified as part of the LGBTQ community have seriously considered suicide, 32% have made a plan, and 23% have attempted suicide. We are afraid that if this bill is passed, the suicide rates will increase in Florida schools. 

We’re petitioning against this bill meant to stigmatize LGBTQ individuals and isolate students and make teachers fearful of providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Please sign this petition to stand by your peers and educators. We must defend the future, our future!  More than ever, the LGBTQ community needs your help. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES