CPA Condemns the Actions of the Florida Legislature

The Capital Pride Alliance condemns the actions of the Florida legislature in passing the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, which the Florida governor is expected to sign into law. The bill attempts to stifle students and teachers from having frank and honest conversations about the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ students throughout the state. The Florida bill is one of many that are currently being discussed in state houses across the country and another in a continuing series of anti-LGBTQ+ legislative actions across the United States.  What they all have in common is that they serve to isolate and stigmatize the youngest members of the LGBTQ+ community. The legislature’s actions, with the clear aim of erasing LGBTQ+ lives, will subject students to harassment and discrimination instead of providing them with inclusive and affirming spaces. LGBTQ+ youth already face higher rates of depression, bullying, and an increased risk of suicide than their peers.  To win support for this discriminatory bill, the proponents have attempted to minimize the devastating effects that the law could have. Nevertheless, the Florida bill, if enacted into law, could allow for a broad interpretation of phrases like “classroom instruction” and “age appropriate,” thus potentially opening school districts to lawsuits from parents who believe that any conversation mentioning LGBTQ+ issues would be inappropriate at any grade level.  The Capital Pride Alliance urges the governor to veto this bill, and if he does not Florida citizens should oppose the bill using all legal means available to them and challenge the law in court as unconstitutional.