Don't Say Gay/Florida

## Don't Say LGBTQ in Florida Schools

Top row, from left: Senator Shevrin Jones, first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to Florida Senate; Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, FL's first openly LGBTQ+ Latino legislator; Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby, first openly queer black woman elected to FL's legislature. Below: the paragraph in CS/CS/HB 1557 that led to the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" nickname.

### Legislative type

* State laws
* Public education rules

### Purpose

* Prevent "classroom instruction" about gender identity or sexual orientation for certain grades and any not "age-appropriate" for older grades
* Reinforce parental control over what school services their children receive
* Mandate personal titles and pronouns in public education "correspond to" birth assignment
* Define "sex" in public education based on binary biological terms
* Increase book bans for LGBTQIA+ content via objections to materials in school and classroom libraries
* Give Department of Education control over materials on reproductive health and sex education

## Legislative History

### Legislature

* Florida Legislature
* Florida Board of Education

### Outcome

* CS/CS/HB 1557 Parental Rights in Education signed into law on March 28, 2022
* Department of Education rules passed on April 19, 2023
* CS/CS/HB 1069 Education signed into law on May 17, 2023

## General Information

### Related legislation

* Parents' Bill of Rights (2021)
* Fairness in Women's Sports Act (2021)
* K-12 Education (2022)

In Florida, **"Don't Say Gay"** (aka **"Don't Say Gay or Trans"**) is the nickname originally given to **Parental Rights in Education**, anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation passed by the Florida Legislature in 2022, and to subsequent education bills and Department of Education rules passed in 2023 to expand upon it. Parental Rights in Education (CS/CS/HB 1557) was said to "reinforce the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding upbringing & control of their children" and enable them to take legal action against school districts that allegedly violated that right. One of the primary concerns for the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies is how this combination of state laws and education rules restricts the ability of students to learn about sexual orientation or gender identity at any grade level within a public school. Books and other materials with LGBTQ+ content in school libraries or classrooms are increasingly challenged by parents and residents, resulting in book bans. Transgender and non-binary students and school employees are further impacted regarding their correct personal pronouns and titles. Due to a rule implemented in October 2022, teachers are at risk of having their licenses revoked if they allegedly provide instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Supporters claim the "Don't Say Gay" and "Don't Say Gay or Trans" nicknames misrepresent the legislation because their text does not contain the exact words "don't say", "gay", or "trans". Prior to the passage of Parental Rights in Education, they said the goal was only prohibiting specific topics for kindergarten through grade 3 and not restricting them for older students; that the prohibition was on "sexual instruction" and discussion of "sexual activity", specifically in kindergarten through grade 3; and that it did not target LGBTQ+ people. Senator Dennis Baxley, who introduced and sponsored the bill (SB 1834) in the Senate, made clear that it focused on "values" regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, citing his personal concerns that too many students are coming out. Representative Joe Harding and several co-sponsors moved HB 1557 through the House of Representatives, and it was the version that ultimately advanced to become law. Only amendments by the bill's sponsors passed, while all 24 amendments attempted by other representatives and senators to change or clarify the bill's language failed. The laws and rules have strong support from Governor Ron DeSantis, who has an anti-LGBTQ+ record and uses hateful language, particularly anti-trans arguments, when speaking about them. He and others falsely call opponents "groomers" who are "sexualizing" children and accuse them of "injecting woke gender ideology" into classrooms.

Parental Rights in Education was passed by the House of Representatives on February 24 and the Senate on March 8, 2022, then signed into law on March 28 that year. CS/CS/HB 1069 was signed into law on May 17, 2023 and combined language that originated in HB 1069: Education, HB 1223: Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements, and SB 1320: Child Protection in Public Schools.

As of July 1, 2023, Florida statutes require by law that in public and charter schools:

"Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in prekindergarten through grade 8, except when required by ss. 1003.42(2)(n)3. and 1003.46. If such instruction is provided in grades 9 through 12, the instruction must be age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."
As of May 23, 2023, the Florida Department of Education has rules mandating that educators:

* "Shall not intentionally provide classroom instruction to students in prekindergarten through grade 3 on sexual orientation or gender identity."
* "Shall not intentionally provide classroom instruction to students in grades 4 through 12 on sexual orientation or gender identity unless such instruction is either expressly required by state academic standards as adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., or is part of a reproductive health course or health lesson for which a student's parent has the option to have his or her student not attend."

## Background

### History of bill sponsors

Senator Dennis Baxley, who introduced Parental Rights in Education as Senate Bill 1834, has a history of sponsoring and supporting anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation while opposing legislation that promotes LGBTQ+ rights. He was first elected to the state legislature in 2000.

As a member of the House of Representatives in 2015, Baxley apologized and changed his vote after initially supporting an adoption bill that included an official repeal of a ban on adoption by same-sex couples; his prior vote was a "mistake" and he changed it to oppose. He claimed on a talk show, "I don't want to discriminate on somebody. I'm not phobic, but I simply can't affirm homosexuality." He further said that what he originally saw as a great adoption bill "had really become the gay bill, and at that point it was an affirmation of homosexuality for which many of us under our biblical teachings simply can't be there." Baxley supported the 2016 "Pastor Protection Act" allowing religious organizations to refuse involvement in weddings that violate their religious beliefs and argued, "There is a persecuted class here. There is a discrimination. There is a war, a battle, an assault going on, on the traditional family. […] If there's anybody under assault and discrimination, I'll tell you who it is: It's anyone who holds a biblical world view. We're called haters."

In the 2020 legislative session, Senator Baxley sponsored the failed SB 1864: Vulnerable Child Protection Act that would have criminalized health care providers who provide gender affirming services to minors. In 2021, he opposed a bill that would have banned the use of the "panic defense" to justify a defendant's assault of someone else based on "panic" over their perceived gay or transgender status. In his opposition, Baxley said, "It's pretty much a position that, you know, if you're the transgender or gay person, then you have special protections and rights, and if you don't, you're not. I'm just for equal rights for everybody, you know, liberty and justice for all — and not special groups get special treatments." On the 2021 Transgender Day of Visibility, Baxley argued in favor of the bill that became the "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" to ban transgender girls and women from playing sports in alignment with their gender identity. In support of the bill, he said, "You can't make the facts move for someone. I can stand out here in the garage all day, convinced that I am an automobile. But, it doesn't make me an automobile. At the end of the day, it gives me a very confused life." Baxley was elected to the Senate again in 2022 and serves as the Senate Pro Tempore for the 2022-24 term.

Representative Joe Harding, who sponsored the House of Representatives version of Parental Rights in Education (HB 1557), was previously a co-sponsor of the anti-trans HB 1475 "Fairness in Women's Sports Act". He also co-sponsored the previous Parents' Bill of Rights, which drew objections and concerns from LGBTQIA+ advocates that it could potentially require schools to break student/counselor confidentiality and "out" children to their parents. Lakey Love of the Florida Coalition for Trans Liberation said of that bill: "This is a direct attack on transgender and gender-nonconforming Floridians, and the LGBTQ youth in particular." Joe Harding was elected to the re-drawn district 24, but resigned on December 9, 2022 due to his federal indictment alleging wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to obtain over $150,000 in COVID-19-related small business loans from the Small Business Administration. On March 21, 2023, Harding pleaded guilty, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 25.

HB 1467 was another bill passed during the 2022 legislative session that has reportedly been applied in combination with HB 1557 to initiate book bans. HB 1467 made it easier for members of the public to scrutinize and challenge the contents of school libraries, while HB 1557 has been used for any materials accessible to kindergarten through grade 3 and some in grades 4 through 12.

Several co-sponsors of the 2022 bills sponsored or co-sponsored legislation in 2023 that targets LGBTQ+ people in education or is otherwise anti-LGBTQ+, including:

* **Adam Anderson:**
	+ 2023: Sponsor (with Stan McClain) of HB 1069 "Education" (Regressive Education) and HB 1223 "Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements" (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069) ("Don't Say LGBTQ" Expansion)
* **Alex Andrade:**
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241 "Parents' Bill of Rights" (paved way for attacks on LGBTQ youth) and HB 1475 "Fairness in Women's Sports Act" (passed as CS/CS/SB 1028) (restricting trans girls and trans women in athletics)
	+ 2023: Sponsor of HB 991 "Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses" (failed) (Defamation Censorship) and HB 999 "Postsecondary Educational Institutions" (passed as CS/CS/CS/SB 266) ("MAGA University" Bill)
* **Doug Bankson:**
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 1223 (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069) and HB 1421 "Gender Clinical Interventions" (passed as CS/SB 254) (Trans Ban)
* **Dean Black:**
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 991 (failed), HB 1421 (passed as CS/SB 254), HB 1423 "Protection of Children" (passed as SB 1438) (Anti-Drag), and HB 1521 "Facility Requirements Based on Sex" (Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill)
* **Randy Fine:**
	+ 2020: Co-sponsor of HB 1059 "Parental Rights" (failed) (risks to LGBTQ youth)
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241 and HB 1475
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1467 "K-12 Education" (Book Bans) and HB 1557 "Parental Rights in Education" ("Don't Say Gay" Bill)
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 1223 (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069), HB 1421 (passed as CS/SB 254), and HB 1423 (passed as SB 1438)
* **Erin Grall:**
	+ 2020: Sponsor of HB 1059 (failed)
	+ 2021: Sponsor of HB 241
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1557
	+ 2023: Sponsor of SB 266 "Higher Education ("MAGA University" Bill) and SB 1674 "Facility Requirements Based on Sex" (passed as CS/HB 1521) (Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill)
* **Ralph Massullo:**
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 999 (passed as CS/CS/CS/SB 266), HB 1069, and HB 1421 (passed as CS/SB 254)
* **Stan McClain:**
	+ 2020: Co-sponsor of HB 1059 (failed) and HB 1365 "Vulnerable Child Protection Act" (failed) (Transgender Youth Medical Care Ban)
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1467 and HB 1557
	+ 2023: Sponsor (with Adam Anderson) of HB 1069
* **Keith Perry:**
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of SB 254 "Treatments for Sex Reassignment" (Criminalizing Gender Affirming Care), SB 1220 "Defamation and Related Actions" (failed) (Defamation Censorship), SB 1320 "Child Protection in Public Schools" (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069) ("Don't Say LGBTQ" Expansion), SB 1438 "Protection of Children" (Anti-Drag), and SB 1674 (passed as CS/HB 1521)
* **Spencer Roach:**
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 1475
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1557
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 1223 (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069)
* **Michelle Salzman:**
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 1069 and HB 1421 (passed as CS/SB 254)
* **Tyler Sirois:**
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1467 "K-12 Education" (Book Bans) and HB 1557
	+ 2023: Co-sponsor of HB 1423 (passed as SB 1438)
* **Clay Yarborough:**
	+ 2020: Co-sponsor of HB 1059 (failed)
	+ 2021: Co-sponsor of HB 241 and HB 1475
	+ 2022: Co-sponsor of HB 1557
	+ 2023: Sponsor of SB 254, SB 1320 (incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069), and SB 1438

### The DeSantis administration

> This money would have helped LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, physical and sexual abuse, and drug abuse. We were planning to expand our housing capacity from 11 to 35 beds for homeless youth and were honored for the support of so many of our state legislators. Now we're unsure where the money will come from.
>
> Heather Wilkie, Executive Director of the Zebra Coalition, on the funds vetoed by Governor DeSantis, Equality Florida press release

In 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed US$50,000 from the state budget that would have gone to the LGBT+ Center Orlando for its Orlando United Assistance Center, which provides counseling and other services to survivors of the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016. In 2021, DeSantis signed the anti-trans sports act on June 1, followed by a June 2 veto of US$900,000 from the state budget that would have supported LGBTQIA+ people. The veto again affected The LGBT+ Center Orlando's services for Pulse survivors, which would have received US$150,000. US$750,000 would have been allocated to the Zebra Coalition to convert part of a former motel into housing for up to 35 homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The timing of the 2021 signing and vetoes, which occurred on the first days of Pride month and shortly before the fifth anniversary of the events at Pulse, was criticized locally and nationally. DeSantis' press secretary, Christina Pushaw, said the governor has been a "champion on mental health since day one", citing his approval of increased mental health funding in general, and said the characterization of his vetoes as an attack on Florida's LGBTQ+ community was "patently false".

An anti-bullying portal on Florida's Department of Education (DOE) website was created under the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. Among other topics, the portal included a page addressing the bullying of LGBTQIA+ youth. However, the DOE removed the portal in December 2021 after a right-leaning online publication sparked a content review. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried subsequently announced that LGBTQIA+ resources would be hosted on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

On June 2, 2022, DeSantis again vetoed funding for the Zebra Coalition's homeless LGBTQ+ youth housing program; legislators had approved $500,000. That summer, Florida's Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo set the Department of Health on its course against providing gender-affirming care to minors and recommending against social transition.

### Lawsuits

A federal lawsuit has been filed against the anti-trans sports act officially titled "Fairness in Women's Sports Act", citing violations of privacy and Title IX. Under the act, trans men and boys may choose to play on men's or women's sports teams, but trans girls and women must play on men's teams.

A staff analysis of HB 1557 cited ongoing litigation in Leon County alleging that the school district withheld information from parents about their child's (social) gender transition at school in violation of the Parents' Bill of Rights, which was not in effect at the time of the alleged incidents. The mother, January Littlejohn, emailed a math teacher in August 2020; emails with the teacher are in the public record due to state laws. She said that the parents had found a counselor to address their child's gender identity. The child had been experiencing gender dysphoria starting spring 2020 and had since asked to use they/them pronouns and another name. Littlejohn expressed in emails that the teacher could determine what was best and that she would let her child take the lead. However, the parents subsequently alleged that they did not give consent for the school to become involved; school officials maintain that a parent gave permission. The parents want the Leon County School District to change its LGBTQ guide and support forms and pay damages to them.

Littlejohn's lawsuit was filed by The Child & Parental Rights Campaign, which describes itself as "founded to respond to a radical new ideology overtaking families and threatening the well-being of children and the fundamental right of parents", in October 2021. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in December 2022, stating that it raised "novel and complex issues of state law" that made it better suited for a state court rather than the federal court in which it was filed as well as not meeting the threshold of "shocking the conscience as defined by binding case law". The Child & Parental Rights Campaign said the parents plan to file an appeal in federal court. According to Superintendent Rocky Hanna, the dismissed lawsuit cost the school district and its taxpayers "thousands of dollars that otherwise would have gone to support the education of our children."

The Child & Parental Rights Campaign also filed a federal lawsuit on January 24, 2022, on behalf of Wendell and Maria Perez against Clay County District Schools. The Perezes alleged that school officials concealed from them and did not ask for their consent before providing counseling to their 12-year-old child to address gender dysphoria. Allegedly, they were not told until after the child made the first of two suicide attempts at the school, an elementary school, that their child had been receiving counseling for a few months. The parents claimed in the media that the reason given by the school counselor for withholding information was "that they knew we as parents would not be in agreement because of our Catholic Christian beliefs". They alleged that the counselor told them their child had not wanted their involvement, knowing that they would not accept their child's name and pronoun changes due to their religious beliefs. The Perezes claimed that the counselor "groomed" their child to be another gender and that school officials and the counselor "precipitated a pattern of bullying" in referring to their child with male pronouns and a "fictitious" male name in front of other students. The child received in-patient treatment from a behavioral health unit following the suicide attempts.

Clay County District Schools gave a statement to First Coast News that they had not been served with any legal process and cannot comment on any pleadings filed. It also stated: "The district has performed a thorough and complete investigation into this matter as it was presented to us and has determined that the allegations made by this out-of-state organization are completely false, fabricated, and appear to be intended solely for the purpose of inciting the public." First Coast News linked the focus of the lawsuit with the focus of HB 1557.

## Don't Say Gay (or Trans)

### Official name

Parental Rights in Education (HB 1557/SB 1834)

### Purpose

* Reinforce parental upbringing and control of their children's health and well-being, what school services their children receive, and what their children learn in school
* Prohibit all "classroom instruction" about gender identity or sexual orientation in kindergarten through grade 3 (roughly 5 to 9 years old) and any not "age-appropriate" for older grades
* Give parents ability to sue school districts and receive damages

## Legislative History

### Introduction

* SB 1834: January 7, 2022 by Senator Dennis Baxley
* HB 1557: January 11, 2022 by Representative Joe Harding

### Began

July 1, 2022

> We call it the "Don't Say Gay" bill because it prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. But members, this bill goes way beyond the text on the page. It sends a terrible message to our youth that there is something so wrong, so inappropriate, so dangerous about this topic that we have to censor it from classroom instruction.
>
> Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, addressing the Florida House of Representatives on February 24, 2022

The sections and paragraphs of the state law officially named Parental Rights in Education are the following:

* **Section 1:**
	1. School districts must have procedures to notify parents of changes regarding their child's "mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being", which is not defined, and any services they are receiving at school. Personnel will be required to encourage children to discuss their own well-being with their parents or to help the student have that discussion. Districts cannot prohibit parental access to their children's health and education records, which means no part of students' records can be kept confidential from their parents.
	2. School districts must not have procedures or use student support forms that prohibit personnel from notifying parents about changes regarding the topics in Paragraph 1; these are again not defined. The school district *may* decide to withhold information "if a reasonably prudent person" would be concerned that the child could be abused, abandoned, or neglected as a result of the disclosure.
	3. Literally reads: "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." (The bill does not define what is considered classroom instruction, what is age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate before or after third grade, and does not specify the applicable state standards.)
	4. Personnel training for school support services that a district develops or provides must adhere to Department of Education requirements.
	5. At the beginning of the school year, parents must be notified by the schools of each healthcare service available so parents can withhold consent or decline any specific service for their child. Consent does not waive the confidentiality and notification requirements.
	6. For students in kindergarten through grade 3, schools must provide copies of student well-being questionnaires or health screening forms to parents and get permission before administering them.
	7. After a parent notifies a school district about their concerns regarding these topics, the school district has 7 days to notify the school's principal (or someone they designate) of the concerns and the process for resolving them. If the parent's concerns are not resolved within 30 days of notification, the school district must either resolve it or provide a statement of the reason why it is unresolved. If the concern is still not resolved, a parent may:
		1. Ask the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate that the school district has to pay for. Within 30 days, the special magistrate will review the dispute and recommend a decision for the State Board of Education for approval or rejection between 7–30 days. (This process is quicker than going to court.)
		2. Take the school district to court and potentially be awarded damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
* **Section 2:** The Department of Education has until June 30, 2023, to review and update standards and policies for school counselors, educators, and other student services personnel in accordance with this bill.
* **Section 3:** The effective date was July 1, 2022.

Section 1, Paragraph 3 has received the most attention and the heaviest criticism. In the original filings, it read:

"A school district may not encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students."
Compare with the final enrolled version, *emphasis added* for changed text:

"Classroom *instruction by school personnel or third parties on* sexual orientation or gender identity *may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3* or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students *in accordance with state standards*."
Bill summaries are not added to the Florida Statutes. However, the portion of the bill summary dealing with this paragraph was originally: "prohibiting a school district from encouraging classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a specified manner". It was changed to: "prohibiting classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels or in a specified manner".

### Legislative process

Florida Republicans reportedly worked with The Child & Parental Rights Campaign to craft the Parental Rights in Education bill. In the Florida Senate, SB 1834 was filed on January 7, 2022 by sponsor Senator Dennis Baxley. The identical HB 1557 was filed in the Florida House of Representatives on January 11, 2022 by Representative Joe Harding. As it advanced through House committees, it gained the following co-sponsors:

* Bryan Avila (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 111)
* Melony Bell (R-part of Polk, district 56)
* David Borrero (R-parts of Broward, Collier, and Miami-Dade, district 105)
* Cord Byrd (R-Nassau and part of Duval, district 11)
* Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 119)
* Elizabeth Fetterhoff (R-part of Volusia, district 26)
* Randy Fine (R-part of Brevard, district 53)
* Jason Fischer (R-part of Duval, district 16)
* Erin Grall (R-Indian River and part of St. Lucie, district 54)
* Chris Latvala (R-part of Pinellas, district 67)
* Randall Maggard (R-part of Pasco, district 38)
* Stan McClain (R-part of Marion, district 23)
* Scott Plakon (R-part of Seminole, district 29)
* Spencer Roach (R-part of Lee, district 79)
* Rick Roth (R-part of Palm Beach, district 85)
* Tyler Sirois (R-part of Brevard, district 51)
* John Snyder (R-parts of Martin and Palm Beach, district 82)
* Keith Truenow (R-part of Lake, district 31)
* Clay Yarborough (R-part of Duval, district 12)

The 2022-01-20 House Education & Employment Committee meeting has not been summarized, but it advanced the bill to the next committee.

#### 2022-02-08, Senate Education Committee

During its hearing in the Senate Education Committee on February 8, Sen. Baxley argued that teachers are engaging in "social engineering" and attempting to "move agendas" rather than teaching basic skills. According to him, "I think when you start opening sexual type discussions with children, you're entering a very dangerous zone." One example given of what would violate the Senate bill was a hypothetical math problem that included two moms or two dads; Baxley called that example "exactly where the problem is". The bill was found favorable by the committee 6-3 on party lines.

#### 2022-02-17, House Judiciary Committee

On February 17, the House Judiciary Committee approved a committee substitute 13-7 along party lines. During the hearing, Representative Harding argued that his bill was necessary because classrooms should focus on reading, math, and "the basics". He objected to the "Don't Say Gay" nicknaming of the bill because his bill does not specifically ban saying the word. Various proponents of the bill made anti-LGBTQ+ comments as reasons for supporting the bill. Rep. Mike Beltran (R-part of Hillsborough, district 57) argued that "these sorts of things" are not appropriate to discuss at school in third grade or younger but may be appropriate at home "if you're a same-sex household or your child may be LGBT or something like that". He specifically refused to believe that any children in third grade or younger has ever died by suicide or might do so if they had not learned about "these sorts of things". Rep. Scott Plakon (R-part of Seminole, district 29) argued on the subject of "a movement" supporting LGBTQIA+ people, "Is it ridiculous that parents would be concerned about this movement targeting their children? I don't think that's a ridiculous concern. And I don't think anybody could agree that parents shouldn't have the right to be concerned about that."

Representative Mike Grieco (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 113), speaking in debate to oppose the bill, responded to the anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, "I am very concerned based upon some of the folks that I've heard from today, that there are certain areas in Florida that think that it is never age-appropriate to talk about gender identity or sexual orientation, regardless as to what arbitrary definition you place on those two terms." Rep. Fentrice Driskell noted, "Whatever you intended this bill to be, it is not that anymore. It's very clear that the proponents of this bill believe in anti-gay rhetoric. It's suppressive. I'm concerned even with the plain text of the bill; it has problems. We couldn't get a straight answer — pun intended — on the definition of sexual orientation."

#### 2022-02-22, House Special Order Calendar

> At what point do the rights of a parent end and do the rights of a child begin? When we develop policies that prioritize parental rights at all costs, including at the expense of our students and our kids, and their well-being, there are consequences. […] It lets folks sue the school if they think any conversation about LGBTQ people is not age appropriate. Listen, this is pandering to the lowest common denominator. This bill is a dream for trial lawyers.
>
> Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, addressing the Florida House of Representatives on February 22, 2022

Prior to the third reading of the entire bill, multiple proposed amendments for CS/CS/HB 1557 were considered as part of the Special Order Calendar for February 22. The full House of Representatives convened to consider amendments, rather than the entire bill, within strict time limits for questions-and-answers and debate. The debate manager assigned to the "Pro" side was Rep. Michael Grant (R-Charlotte, district 75) and Rep. Matt Willhite (D-part of Palm Beach, district 86) for "Con". Harding initially submitted, then withdrew prior to the session, an amendment that would have required schools to inform parents within six weeks if a child has come out to school personnel, regardless of any concerns about abuse, abandonment, or neglect. He denied that his amendment would have required outing students to their parents. In the session, he also claimed that the bill does not target any specific gender or sexual orientation.

Amendments that were considered on the floor:

#### 2022-02-24, House of Representatives

> If it talks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's a duck. That means you are homophobic, and you are transphobic [if you vote yes]. You deal with that how you may.
>
> Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby, addressing the Florida House of Representatives on February 24, 2022

On February 24, the bill had its third reading in the full House of Representatives. During debate on the bill, student pages (who are in middle school) were removed from the chamber. The absence of the student pages was criticized by Representative Grieco, who further noted that the bill does not limit the ban on discussing LGBTQIA+ people to kindergarten through third grade; school districts or parents could deem topics related to the community age-inappropriate at any time. He characterized members claiming that the bill has age limitations "either mistaken or they're flat out lying". Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, who is the first gay Latino elected official in Florida's legislature, wore his Pride pin upside down to indicate his community is in distress.

Anti-LGBTQ+ arguments were again made by bill supporters. Representative Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 119) claimed that young children are "being taught the radical leftist gender theory" and that parents know what is best. Rep. Erin Grall equated school support forms regarding gender non-conforming students to hypothetical forms about "transitioning a child from one religion to another".

The House of Representatives voted 69-47 to pass the bill, with votes largely falling on party lines. It was supported by one Democratic representative, James Bush III (D-Miami-Dade, district 109), and opposed by seven Republicans.

#### 2022-02-29, Senate Appropriations Committee

> I have heard different members of the Legislature say something along the lines of, 'Parents know what's best for their kids.' When it comes to the queer community, that is not true. If parents know what's best for their kids, why did my best friend get kicked out of his house and have to live with me?
>
> Will Larkins, president of the queer student union at Winter Park High School, public testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 28, 2022

Senate President Wilton Simpson approved fast-tracking the House version of the bill to just one stop in the Senate Appropriations Committee rather than continuing with the Senate version through two more committees. The committee was made up of seven Democratic and thirteen Republican senators, one of which was bill introducer Senator Baxley. The committee found the bill favorable 12-8, with all seven Democrats and Senator Jeff Brandes (R-part of Pinellas, district 24) voting against the bill.

As Senator Jason Pizzo (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 38) probed Sen. Baxley regarding the legislative intent of the bill and what teachers could do in response to "spontaneous or reflexive" speech, such as someone putting "two mommies" or "two daddies" on their family tree, Baxley continually dodged and claimed his bill was about "instructional materials by the school system leading in a specific direction, not regular classroom discussion between classmates". Pizzo asked, "Final question, and I mean this with all due respect: Do you believe that a classroom teacher in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, or third grade can convert someone to being gay?" The chairperson, Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-parts of Lake and Polk, district 22), said she did not believe that Pizzo's question was to the bill; he pushed back about the relevance of the bill sponsor's intent. Baxley did not answer the question, instead arguing about centering parental rights. When Pizzo attempted again to get a direct answer from Baxley regarding his beliefs and why the focus on particular ages, Stargel disallowed Pizzo's question and moved to the next senator.

Senator Lauren Book (D-part of Broward, district 32) held up a family tree assignment from when she taught kindergarten and asked Sen. Baxley multiple questions regarding it, such as whether it would count as instructional material and be permitted under the bill, if the bill would conflict with state social studies standards requiring discussions of a child's role in their family, and how he defined classroom discussion versus classroom instruction. Baxley gave vague answers that did not address her specific questions, and suggested it would prevent teachers "promoting certain worldviews or certain positions to children this young who are not ready to talk about sexual things".

Senator Audrey Gibson (D-part of Duval, district 6) asked Baxley what led to his bill, such as a specific family speaking to him about their parental rights being violated. He brought up "social engineering approaches" and "values" and said it was a "proactive bill by folks who work on parental issues and school issues", but he did not identify who brought the bill to him. Senator Linda Stewart (D-part of Orange, district 13) asked if the bill would apply to LGBTQ clubs or other extracurricular activities; he said it would not. Among other questions, Senator Bobby Powell (D-part of Palm Beach, district 30) asked how Baxley defined "social engineering approaches" and if any line in the bill dealt with that subject. Baxley said, "That is describing what goes on around social value issues, when you try to reach over from the educational arm of our society, and address these in a way that doesn't observe the authority of parents to establish those value lines."

During the questions and answers, Senator Brandes asked if "heterosexual conversations" would be allowed under the bill; when Sen. Baxley said no, Brandes asked what in the bill text disallowed discussing heterosexuality or sexual activity. Baxley avoided answering why the bill singled out sexual orientation and gender identity.

An amendment proposed by Senator Brandes would have swapped out the words "sexual orientation or gender identity" in favor of "human sexuality or sexual activity" to be more generally about sex education and no longer target the LGBTQ+ community. Sen. Baxley said Brandes' amendment would "gut" the bill. Rep. Smith voiced support for Brandes' amendment prior to the hearing and hoped to provide testimony at the hearing, but Chair Stargel did not grant him permission to speak. Stargel claimed the bill was "not meant to be hateful", and she said in support, "What this bill is seeking to fix is a situation where you have a school district that puts in place a policy of transgender/gender-non-conforming Student Support Plan, according to Title IX, which extends all the way to kids in elementary school, and that entire plan is done without the knowledge or input from the parent. That is the problem that we're fixing. I don't care if your kids are straight or if your kids are gay."

#### 2022-03-07, Senate Special Order Calendar

> **Sen. Tina Polsky**Why is gender identity and sexual orientation specifically prohibited when there are so many other very difficult mature subjects that are not exempted?**Sen. Dennis Baxley**It's an endless list of things that you could list as far as challenges to young people. We are in a trending posture right now where—I mean, my son's a psychiatrist, and I said, "Why is everybody now all about coming out when you're in school?" And there really is a dynamic of concern of how much of this are genuine type of experiences and how many of them are just kids trying on different kinds of things they hear about, and different kinds of identities, and *experimenting*. That's what kids do. Maybe they're in this club or that club or they're onto this. And they're trying on all these identities of life trying to see where they fit in. And I said, "Am I crazy or what? All of a sudden we're having all these issues come up about this topic of their sexuality and gender," and I said, "I don't understand why that's such a big wave right now." […] Some of it's, I'm sure, a cultural shift of what's accepted and that kind of thing. But I know some of it's the confusion that kids go—you know, particularly when you get to middle school or high school, there's a lot of whitewater. You don't get it right. You just get 'em through it. So my question is simply, "Are we encouraging this or illuminating it by putting emphasis on it or are we helping something? […] There's something wrong with how we're emphasizing this and how all of a sudden overnight they're a celebrity when they felt like they were nobody. And so I don't know how all those pieces, parts play, but I know parents are very concerned about the departure of the core belief systems and values. So I think they have a seat at the table, and I think telling them they don't have a seat at the table in this decision and this process with kids is a very, very big mistake.**Sen. Tina Polsky**So basically, what I just heard you say, just to confirm, that there seems to be a big uptick in the number of children who are coming out as gay or experimenting, and therefore we need to not discuss it in the younger grades. Is that correct?**Sen. Dennis Baxley**Those are the reminiscing of a father and a grandfather, trying to figure out what makes kids tick. And that is part of why I'm attracted to this bill, is I don't want to be putting—we know there's social inputs into how people act and what they decide to do. So yeah, that's part of our concern for the wellbeing of our children.

For the second reading of the bill on March 7, the Senate spent three hours debating and voting on proposed bill amendments to clarify the vague language and add protections for LGBTQ+ students; all failed to pass. Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-parts of Lake and Polk, district 22) claimed the amendments were an attempt to delay the bill and force it into a back and forth with the House, and that they encouraged "misrepresentation" of the bill.

Most of the thirteen amendments were determined with voice votes; the voice vote on the amendment by Senator Shevrin Jones was challenged by at least five Senators to require an electronic roll call vote. The proposed amendments were:

#### 2022-03-08, Senate

> So let's be clear, the bill sponsor […] Senator Baxley made it clear that this bill is about one thing: section three—sexual orientation, gender identity. Even being pressed on it through amendments and even me wanting to take that section to do what this body, I believe, that you all said you intend to want to do, to give parents that right—which they already have—but to take that out and we say that it is not geared towards the LGBTQ community. You can't say that it's not, but then the bill sponsor says it is; you got to pick one. […] And I'm sure you all heard the children yesterday. Some of them are still in the gallery right now. Why would so many LGBTQ youth, parents, and allies be here if the nuances of this bill was not what it is, and where individuals feel attacked on it? […] I believe that this will be another stain on the history of Florida. Whether you disagree with the messaging or not when it comes to people calling it the "don't say gay" bill, or you can put whatever title behind it all you want, it hurts people.
>
> Senator Shevrin Jones, addressing the Senate on March 8, 2022

The bill passed 22-17 in the Senate, with all Democrats opposing as well as two Republicans, Senators Jeff Brandes (R-part of Pinellas, district 24) and Jenn Bradley (R-Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, Union counties and part of Marion; district 5). Sen. Brandes had previously opposed the bill, and Sen. Bradley said, "I want to support parental rights in school but I'm also mindful of our Legislature's voice. I'm a mom to three children and I love all of the children in the state of Florida, and I'm concerned about the message it sends."

During debate, Democratic Senators called out the homophobic and transphobic intentions behind the bill and the statements made by their Republican colleagues, while multiple Republican Senators continued to make such statements in support of the bill. Sen. Ileana Garcia (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 37) claimed, "Gay is not a permanent thing. LGBT is not a permanent thing."

> I want to speak to the boy or girl, the trans boy or the trans girl, and I want to tell them that you're wonderful, you're not confused, and there's a community of people who love you, who support you, and who are rooting for you. I want to speak to the father or the mother who think just because your child came out as LGBTQ that you've done something wrong. That parent, you've done nothing wrong; you've done everything right, and as a matter of fact, you're actually the real MVP. I want to speak to the one who's still battling with who they are. I have this saying that I tell people all the time: when you become okay with it, you give everybody else permission to do the same. Here's the big one: I want to talk to that church. To the church that rejected the boy or the girl who walked in your doors, I want to tell you that you can't teach love, but don't show love. […] And to those who think you can legislate gay people away: I'm sorry, you cannot. I think you should spend your time legislating to protect them.
>
> Senator Shevrin Jones, addressing the Senate on March 8, 2022

### Positions on HB 1557/SB 1834

#### Supporters

Multiple legislators argued in favor of the bills, including but not limited to:

* Sen. Danny Burgess (R-parts of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk, district 20)
* Sen. Manny Diaz (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 36)
* Sen. Ileana Garcia (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 37)
* Sen. Ray Rodrigues (R-part of Lee, district 27)
* Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-parts of Lake and Polk, district 22), Chair of Appropriations Committee

At committee hearings, individuals representing themselves or representing organizations waived in support or provided public testimony as proponents of the bill. (Some were also in opposition to amendment barcode 546314/760288.) These members of the public were:

* Florida Citizens Alliance
* Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
* Florida Family Action
* Florida Family Policy Council
* Florida Smart Justice Alliance
* Heritage Action for America
* Opportunity Solutions Project
* Salt and Light Council
* Various individuals, including residents of The Villages retirement community and January Littlejohn

#### Opponents

> I walk into a building every day where I am told that I do not matter. I can not only surmise that it's because you don't care—that gay folks, and LGBT folks and trans folks don't matter. So I'm here to tell the LGBTQ babies who are watching: You matter. I see you. You are loved. You are perfect just the way you are. I know you are getting told right now in this room that you are less than. But God made you beautiful and special just the way you are. If you are trans, how you show—I'm speaking to that aide that comes into this Capitol every day and that has to fight, and is one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen and known: You are special. You are seen. And you are appreciated. To the other folks that work here in this Capitol and have to endure listening to this legislation: You are seen. You are worthy, and you are beautiful. And I'm speaking to my wife, who's standing right there—who's sitting right there, rather: You are seen. You are loved. And you are beautiful.
>
> Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby, addressing the Florida House of Representatives on February 24, 2022

Among others, the bill was strongly opposed within the legislature by the three openly LGBTQ+ legislators:

* Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida's first elected LGBTQ+ Latino state legislator, Democratic Ranking Member of the State Affairs Committee and the Professions & Public Health Subcommittee
* Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby, (D-parts of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota, district 70), the first openly queer Black woman and queer woman of color elected as a Florida state legislator
* Sen. Shevrin "Shev" Jones (D-parts of Broward and Miami-Dade, district 35), Florida's first elected openly gay Senator and formerly a Representative who publicly came out while in office in 2018, Vice Chair of the Education Committee

> This is an anti-gay bill, and if you vote for this anti-gay bill, after today you can never, ever claim to be an ally of the LGBTQ community. In fact, you are voting to be an opponent. I'm gonna vote down on this bill, and I'm going to say gay until I'm rainbow in the face.
>
> Representative Mike Grieco, addressing the Florida House of Representatives on February 24, 2022

LGBTQIA+ allies among the legislature who strongly opposed the bill include but are not limited to:

* Rep. Kristen Arrington (D-part of Osceola, district 43), fought as a member of the Education & Employment Committee and filed an amendment
* Rep. Robin Bartleman, fought in the chamber
* Rep. Ben Diamond (D-part of Pinellas, district 68), fought as a member of the Judiciary Committee and filed an amendment
* Rep. Fentrice Driskell, fought as the Democratic Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and filed an amendment
* Rep. Anna Eskamani, filed two amendments and fought in the chamber
* Rep. Mike Grieco (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 113), fought as a member of the Judiciary Committee and in the chamber
* Rep. Angie Nixon, filed an amendment
* Rep. Marie Woodson, filed an amendment
* Sen. Lori Berman
* Sen. Lauren Book (D-part of Broward, district 32)
* Sen. Randolph Bracy (D-part of Orange, district 11)
* Sen. Janet Cruz (D-part of Hillsborough, district 18)
* Sen. Gary Farmer (D-part of Broward, district 34)
* Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 38)
* Sen. Tina Polsky (D-parts of Broward and Palm Beach, district 29)

Other attempts to amend the bill (in ways that would not alter paragraph 3 or insert new affirmative language) were made by:

* Rep. Tracie Davis (D-part of Duval, district 13)
* Rep. Evan Jenne (D-part of Broward, district 99), Minority (Democratic) Leader
* Sen. Audrey Gibson (D-part of Duval, district 6)
* Sen. Linda Stewart (D-part of Orange, district 13)
* Sen. Annette Taddeo (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 40)

The following Republicans voted no on the bill in the final floor votes:

* Rep. Vance Aloupis, Jr. (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 115), after previously supporting in the Education & Employment Committee
* Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 114), after previously supporting in the Judiciary Committee
* Rep. Chip LaMarca (R-part of Broward, district 93), after previously supporting in the Education & Employment Committee
* Rep. Amber Mariano (R-part of Pasco, district 36), after previously supporting in the Education & Employment Committee
* Rep. James Vernon "Jim" Mooney, Jr. (R-Monroe and part of Miami-Dade, district 120)
* Rep. Rene "Coach P" Plasencia (R-parts of Orange and Brevard, district 50)
* Rep. William Cloud "Will" Robinson, Jr. (R-parts of Manatee and Sarasota, district 71)
* Sen. Jenn Bradley (R-Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, Union counties and part of Marion; district 5), after previously supporting the bill in the Education Committee and opposing Sen. Jones' amendment on the floor
* Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-part of Pinellas, district 24), also attempted an amendment and voted no in Appropriations Committee, attempted an amendment again on the floor

> Every single one of you have a sexual orientation. Every single one of you have a gender identity. To prohibit discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity is to exclude what it is to be human.
>
> Lakey Love, of the Florida Coalition for Transgender Liberation, public testimony to the Senate Education Committee on January 20, 2022

At committee hearings, individuals representing themselves or representing organizations waived in opposition or provided public testimony as opponents. (Some were also in support of amendment barcode 546314/760288.) These members of the public were:

* American Atheists
* American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida)
* COLAGE
* Common Ground
* Dream Defenders
* Equality Florida
* Family Equality
* Florida AFL–CIO
* Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates
* Florida Center for Fiscal & Economic Policy
* Florida Coalition for Transgender Liberation
* Florida Immigrant Coalition
* Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW)
* Florida Policy Institute
* Florida PTA
* Florida Rising
* Florida State Conference of NAACP Branches
* Florida Student Power Network
* League of Women Voters
* Mental Health Association of Central Florida
* Miami-Dade County
* National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
* PRISM
* Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund
* Spektrum Health
* St. Stephen Lutheran Church
* Students for a Democratic Society
* The Trevor Project
* Various individuals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, physicians, members of the National Association of Social Workers, student leader Will Larkins

#### Florida student protests

> When it comes to talking about sexuality in elementary school, you have to think about situations like show and tell. Can you talk about your family in that setting if you have a gay relative? What about teachers? What if a guy is married to another guy? Is he allowed to have a picture of his husband on the desk? I think it's necessary for development to have those questions and discussions.
>
> Caitlyn Traxler, 11th-grade student and vice president of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Manatee School for the Arts, *Bradenton Herald*

Student-led, student-organized school walkouts were held to protest HB 1557 and support LGBTQ+ rights for students, with most taking place at noon on Thursday, March 3, 2022. The walkouts received local and national news coverage. Although media reports have said "at least twenty" schools were identified as participating in the walkout, the total count is at least 60.

Over a dozen other schools participated but did not receive media coverage; however, attendees documented their walkouts on social media.

After the House of Representatives passed the bill on February 24, Flagler Palm Coast High School (FPCHS) junior and student activist Jack Petocz began organizing the statewide walkouts via social media with the hashtag #DSGWalkout; other students across the state answered his call to organize actions at their schools. At FPCHS, Alyssa Vidal helped organize the walkout that was originally planned for noon; she said the administration required them to reschedule for the morning due to "security concerns". The school district did not permit teachers to participate, but more than 500 students are estimated to have walked out at FPCHS. Afterward, Petocz was suspended, or "administratively excused" in the words of the school board attorney, apparently for distributing rainbow pride flags after the principal consulted with the superintendent and warned Petocz not to. The attorney told *Flagler Live* that flag distribution was not permissible because the flags were a political statement. Flagler County School District spokesman Jason Wheeler told *The Daytona Beach News-Journal*, "Student leaders were told no flags prior to and at the beginning of the event so as to avoid undue safety concerns and campus disruptions. School administration spoke with the event organizer numerous times about the expectations and parameters so that students could take part in a peaceful, safe protest." After the walkout, Petocz posted a statement on social media about his suspension.

In Tallahassee (Florida's capital city), at least 100 students from Leon High School, Sail High School, and Florida State University met up in front of the historic Capitol building and proceeded to the courtyard. By 1 pm, students had gathered inside the Capitol to protest outside the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives.

At Pine View School for the Gifted in Sarasota, the walkout was led by the school's first openly gay student class president, Zander Moricz. He said of the bill, "It's devastating to watch Florida move back through history and add to the oppression queer children are already experiencing. The first person I ever came out to was a Pine View teacher, and we've had long conversations about who and where I'd be if I hadn't been able to share myself with them... erasing schools as a place to do this will be deadly, in the literal sense."

Some schools did not permit news media on property and tried to prevent students from speaking to journalists, including Flagler Palm Coast and North Fort Myers.

Nicole Crane, co-president of Gay-Straight Alliance at Wiregrass High School, told the *Tampa Bay Times* that the protest there was marred by mockery of the LGBTQ+ community. Braden River High School's scheduled 12:00 pm walkout was cancelled moments before it was due to take place. According to Kevin Chapman, executive director of administration for the School District of Manatee County, school leaders received word of "a serious threat" that law enforcement had to investigate; by 12:30 PM, it was found to be a false alarm. At least 30 students demonstrated despite the false alarm and threat of disciplinary action.

On Monday, March 7, students held a "Proud to Say Gay" rally and protests at the Capitol. Attendees included university students; students from Leon County's middle and high schools; teachers and members of a church group from St. Petersburg; advocates from Gainesville, Marianna, Miami, and Orlando; state legislators; and local residents.

## Don't Say LGBTQ Expansion

### Official names

* Education (CS/CS/HB 1069)
* Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements (CS/HB 1223)
* Child Protection in Public Schools (CS/SB 1320)

### Purpose

* Expand prohibition on "classroom instruction" to pre-kindergarten through grade 8 and to charter schools
* Mandate personal titles and pronouns in public education "correspond to" birth assignment
* Define "sex" in public education based on binary biological terms
* Increase objections to books, resulting in book bans while objections are reviewed
* Give Department of Education control over materials on reproductive health and sex education

## Legislative History

### Introduction

* HB 1069: February 22, 2023 by Reps. Stan McClain and Adam Anderson
* HB 1223: February 28, 2023 by Rep. Adam Anderson
* SB 1320: March 1, 2023 by Sen. Clay Yarborough

### Began

July 1, 2023

Legislation filed in 2023 included the following education bills for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. House Bill 1069 was described by Equality Florida as the "Regressive Education" bill and House Bill 1223/Senate Bill 1320 as "Don't Say LGBTQ" Expansion. Through the legislative process, the bills became closer to each other than in the original filings. CS/CS/HB 1069 ultimately passed and took effect on July 1, 2023. Its sections and paragraphs, along with which bill(s) originated them, are:

* **Section 1: Florida's definition of "sex" in education:** Throughout the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code, adds a definition for the term "sex": that a person is "either female or male"; their body matches a "specific reproductive role"; and these reproductive roles are indicated by sex chromosomes, "naturally occurring" sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth. (CS/HB 1069 section 1, CS/HB 1223 section 1, SB 1320 section 1)
* **Section 2: Personal titles and pronouns in public kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12):**
	1. Makes a policy that sex is unchangeable and "it is false" for a person's pronouns and personal titles to "not correspond to" their birth assignment. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 2 #1, HB 1223 section 2 #1, SB 1320 section 2 #1) An exception is made for people with a "disorder of sex development".
	2. Employees, contractors, and students cannot be required to use the *"preferred personal title or pronouns"* of someone who is not a cisgender man or woman. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 2 #2, HB 1223 section 2 #2, SB 1320 section 2 #2)
	3. Employees/contractors who are not cisgender women or men may not provide their own pronouns or personal titles to students. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 2 #3, HB 1223 section 2 #3, SB 1320 section 2 #3)
	4. Students cannot be asked about their pronouns or personal titles or be penalized for not providing them. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 2 #4, HB 1223 section 2 #4, SB 1320 section 2 #4)
* **Section 3: Expanding limits in "Parental Rights in Education":**
	+ *"Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in"*... changes from 2022's "kindergarten through grade 3" to become *"prekindergarten through grade 8"*, except where required by certain statutes. \*\*Changes permission for age- or developmentally-appropriate instruction from grades 4-12 to grades 9-12. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 3, HB 1223 section 3, SB 1320 section 3)
	+ Adds that the restrictions also apply to charter schools. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 3, HB 1223 section 3, CS/SB 1320 section 3)
	+ Removes a subparagraph giving parents with unresolved concerns an option to bring action against school districts (leaving intact requesting a special magistrate). (SB 1320 section 3)
	+ Adds a website requirement (for school districts to post their procedures for parents to make complaints and potentially sue). (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 3, HB 1223 section 3)
* **Section 4: Department of Education approval of materials on reproductive health or disease:** Changes a specific paragraph to read, *"All materials used to teach reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, its symptoms, development, and treatment, as part of the courses referenced in subsection (5), must be approved by the department."* This changes "instructional materials" to just "materials" and removes the existing requirement that the district school board approves instructional materials in an annual, open, noticed public meeting. Instead, the Department of Education will approve them and does not have to hold a public meeting. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 4, SB 1320 section 4)
* **Section 5: Binary sex in health education:** Regarding AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, or health education, any instruction or course material that "contains instruction in human sexuality" must use Florida's definitions of "males" and "females", *"teach that biological males impregnate biological females by fertilizing the female's egg with the male's sperm; that the female then gestates the offspring; and that these reproductive roles are binary, stable, and unchangeable."* Existing items in the statute (such as abstinence only and "the benefits of monogamous heterosexual marriage") are renumbered. The Department of Education must approve instruction materials. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 5, SB 1320 section 5)
* **Section 6: Parents and residents objecting to materials:**
	+ Adds language about "classroom library" and "accessible" to prior statutes. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
	+ Adds requirements for district school boards websites to have:
		- An easily read and understood objection form (for the existing processes for parents and residents to object to school materials) on the homepage. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
		- A process for a parent to limit the books and media materials their own child can access in a classroom library or the school library. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
		- Searchable lists of all materials maintained and accessible to elementary school students in school libraries and classroom libraries, and any required reading lists.
	+ Adds to content that can be objected to: *"Depicts or describes sexual conduct"*, with the definition of sexual conduct in s. 847.001" *(ex. any depiction or description of sex that is not potentially procreative in a heterosexual marriage). (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)*
	+ Within 5 school days of receiving an objection to any material that is allegedly pornographic, harmful to minors, or depicts or describes sexual conduct, it must become and remain unavailable to any students until the objection is resolved. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
	+ Parents have the right to read passages from the material, but if the school board denies that right, the school district must discontinue use of the material. School districts must discontinue use of any material if the school board finds prohibited content (sexual conduct, not suitable to student needs or ability to comprehend, inappropriate for grade level and age group).
	+ Committee meetings for resolving a parent's or resident's objection must be open to the public and have public notice, and the committee must include parents whose students could access the materials. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
	+ If a parent disagrees with the result of their objection, they may ask the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate that the school district has to pay for. Within 30 days, the special magistrate will review the dispute and recommend a decision for the State Board of Education for approval or rejection between 7–30 days. School district bears the cost.
	+ Adds to the district school board's required annual reports that they provide rationale for not removing or discontinuing material that was objected to. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
	+ District school boards must notify parents about how to object to materials. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 6, SB 1320 section 6)
* **Section 8: Invalidating separate parts of the act:** If a provision or application of the act becomes invalid, the rest remains in effect, rather than the entire act being invalidated. (CS/CS/HB 1069 section 8, SB 1320 section 8)

## Legislative History

### Introduction

February 22, 2023 by Representatives Stan McClain and Adam Anderson

### Outcome

* Passed by House of Representatives on March 31, 2023
* Passed by Senate on May 3, 2023
* Signed by governor on May 17, 2023

House Bill 1069, simply titled "Education", was sponsored by Representatives Stan McClain and Adam Anderson and co-sponsored by Reps. Ralph Massullo and Michelle Salzman. It was filed on February 22, 2023, and found favorable with committee substitutes by the Education Quality Subcommittee on March 15 and another by the Education & Employment Committee on March 23. After eleven proposed floor amendments failed, the House of Representatives passed CS/CS/HB 1069 with a 77-35 vote on March 31, the Transgender Day of Visibility. In its original filing, various parts were similar and in some cases identical to SB 1320 "Child Protection in Public Schools" by Sen. Clay Yarborough. Parts of Rep. Anderson's CS/HB 1223 titled Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements were incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069.

In summary, the original filing of HB 1069 proposed:

* **Section 1:** A specific definition of "sex" in public education.
* **Section 2:** Changing the process of approving materials to teach reproductive health and disease from the current (annually, by school boards, in an open, noticed public meeting) to the Department of Education.
* **Section 3:** Health education and instruction regarding AIDS and STIs must teach a specific definition of biologically determined "sex" based on *"reproductive roles"* that are *"binary, stable, and unchangeable."* The Department of Education must approve materials used. Would have limited instruction to grades 6 through 12; this was removed before CS/CS/HB 1069.
* **Section 4:** Making it easier to object to books and other media materials in school libraries and classrooms, and requiring that the materials be removed until the objection is resolved.

## House Bill 1223

### Official name

Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements (CS/HB 1223)

## Legislative History

### Introduction

February 28, 2023 by Representative Adam Anderson

House Bill 1223, titled "Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements", was sponsored by Representative Adam Anderson and co-sponsored by Reps. Jessica Baker (R-part of Duval, district 17), Douglas Michael Bankson (R-parts of Orange and Seminole, district 39), Dean Black (R-Nassau and part of Duval, district 15), Randy Fine, and Spencer Roach. It was filed on February 28, 2023 and on March 14, the Choice & Innovation Subcommittee found it favorable with a committee substitute and referred CS/HB 1223 to the Education & Employment Committee. Its original filing and that of HB 1069 differed, but various parts of HB 1223 were similar and in some cases identical to SB 1320 "Child Protection in Public Schools" by Sen. Clay Yarborough. HB 1223 was effectively merged with HB 1069.

In summary, the original filing of HB 1223 proposed:

* **Section 1:** A specific definition of "sex" in public education.
* **Section 2:** Prohibitions regarding personal titles and pronouns and making a policy that pronouns "correspond to" sex.
* **Section 3:** Expanding the ban on instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation to prekindergarten through grade 8.
* **Section 4:** Prohibiting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in private and public prekindergartens.

## Senate Bill 1320

### Official name

Child Protection in Public Schools (CS/SB 1320)

## Legislative History

### Introduction

March 1, 2023 by Senator Clay Yarborough

Senate Bill 1320, titled "Child Protection in Public Schools", was sponsored by Senator Clay Yarborough and co-sponsored by Sen. Keith Perry. It was filed on March 1, 2023 and found favorable (with committee substitute) along party lines in its first committee stop, Education Pre-K-12 on March 20. CS/SB 1320 was then referred to Fiscal Policy. Various parts of the original filing were similar and in some cases identical to the original filings of HB 1069 "Education" by Rep. Stan McClain and HB 1223 "Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements" by Rep. Adam Anderson; others were specific to this bill.

In summary, the original filing of SB 1320 proposed:

* **Section 1:** A specific definition of "sex" in public education.
* **Section 2:** Prohibitions regarding personal titles and pronouns and making a policy that pronouns "correspond to" sex.
* **Section 3:** Expanding the ban on instruction about gender identity or sexual orientation to prekindergarten through grade 8.
* **Section 4:** Changing the process of approving materials to teach reproductive health and disease from the current (annually, by school boards, in an open, noticed public meeting) to the Department of Education.
* **Section 5:** Health education and instruction regarding AIDS and STIs must teach a specific definition of biologically determined "sex" based on *"reproductive roles"* that are *"binary, stable, and unchangeable."* The Department of Education must approve materials used.
* **Section 6:** Making it easier to object to books and other media materials in school libraries and classrooms, and requiring that the materials be removed until the objection is resolved.

#### 2023-03-14, House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee

> This bill is anti-freedom. It's anti-liberty. It's not about parental rights. It's not about kids' rights. It's about scoring political points. It's about power and control, so let's remember that.
>
> Representative Angie Nixon, in debate of HB 1223 on March 14, 2023

HB 1223's first stop was the House of Representatives Choice & Innovation Subcommittee meeting on March 14, 2023. An amendment by sponsor Rep. Anderson was adopted, while another by Rep. Rita Harris (D-part of Orange, district 44) failed. Her amendment would have removed and replaced Section 2 on pronouns and titles with language reiterating parental rights regarding education, upbringing, and moral or religious training of their child, along with the right of parents to give written notification of what titles or pronouns should be used to address their student. All of the Republican members (including bill co-sponsors Reps. Baker, Bankson, and Roach) voted yea on CS/HB 1223, along with Rep. Lisa Dunkley (D-part of Broward, district 97), while the four other Democratic members voted nay.

Three Democratic members and no Republican members asked questions about the bill during that portion of the meeting. Rep. Susan Valdés (D-part of Hillsborough, district 65), "playing devil's advocate" and a former school board member, asked whether a teacher who received a parent's voluntary request to use their child's pronouns would be permitted to use them; Anderson said the teacher would be prohibited because it would "not be appropriate" for the other students in the class and the rights of their parents. Valdés also asked about how the bill may impact the education of elementary school students beginning puberty, and Anderson said his bill would not change that.

Rep. Angie Nixon asked Anderson if he had questioned *all* parents, had spoken with parents of students with [preferred] pronouns, if he could point to specific examples of students learning about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Anderson claimed that the prior December, the Department of Education found 12 districts with violations of the "current Parental Rights Acts" *[sic]*. Rep. Nixon's further questions included the specific numbers of classrooms, rather than entire counties or districts with violations; if he was concerned about how queer children are already four times more likely to commit suicide and his bill may increase it; and about trans employees and staff. Anderson said children "that maybe have discomfort or are confused about their sexual identity" are treated with "respect and dignity" and that the bill would address "forcing" someone to use another's pronouns.

Rep. Kevin Chambliss (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 117) asked if the bill addressed how teachers should respond to a student requesting a specific pronoun that did not "correspond to their biological sex"; Anderson said it did not prohibit students from using preferred pronouns with other students or teachers with other teachers. In presenting his amendment, Rep. Anderson referred to intersex children as "children that may suffer from genetic disorders". He claimed that "opponents of this bill, especially the media, would like you to believe a manufactured narrative about what this legislation is seeking to do" and it was really about "letting our kids be kids".

During public testimony, multiple people said that the bill was fascist, infringed upon parental rights, harmed students, and would lead to further loss of lives. In debate, Rep. Nixon gave a passionate speech in opposition to the bill, especially regarding the issue of LGBTQ+ youth suicide, as the sister of someone who died by suicide and as the mother of a queer child. Rep. Chambliss also became tearful regarding youth suicide.

Rep. Fabián Basabe (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 106)—who claimed to use the pronouns love, loves, love self and to "identify first as a parent"—said the bill was being interpreted as targeting people when it did not; according to Basabe, nobody in the legislative body wished to harm children. Rep. Doug Bankson (R-parts of Orange, Seminole, district 39), a co-sponsor of the bill, shared an anecdote about a 10-year-old allegedly in tears over being told by a teacher that she had to affirm transgender students or it was a federal offense. In closing, Rep. Anderson said that teachers would be protected by the bill; since teachers would not be required to use a students' pronouns, they would be protected from being fired for refusing to do so. After the committee voted in favor of the bill, a vocal outburst from members of the public resulted in shutting off the audio feed.

#### 2023-03-15, House Education Quality Subcommittee

HB 1069 was temporarily postponed on March 10 and then heard on March 15, 2023 in the House of Representatives Education Quality Subcommittee. All votes on the bill were along party lines, with Republican members voting yea and Democratic members voting nay. Bill sponsor Rep. Stan McClain said it built on legislation passed in the previous year to increase parental scrutiny of books and other instructional materials, its intent was to bring uniformity to sex education across Florida by allowing the Department of Education (DOE) to make the final determinations about materials, and it provided more ways for parents to object to books and other materials. He said it was not true that book bans are taking place.

Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 109), a former public middle and high school teacher, noted that menstrual onset could occur when a student is in 4th or 5th grade and asked if the bill's limitation on human sexuality instruction to grades 6 through 12 would prohibit conversations about menstruation in younger grades; McClain confirmed in a two-word answer: "It would." Responding to Rep. Gantt's questioning if the intent of certain lines was to make it possible for one parent to determine what materials were accessible to all students in a class or school, and McClain agreed that could take place. Rep. Christopher Benjamin (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 107), the Democratic Ranking Member, asked if the legislature would give the DOE criteria to use to create uniformity; McClain believed the intent was already clear.

Bill sponsor McClain filed multiple amendments that were adopted. On his final amendment and responding to Rep. Gantt, he answered there would not be limits to how many objections a parent could make in a year, that the school board would bear the burden of attorney's fees, and that there were no fiscal provisions to provide school boards with the ability to cover costs and expenses without taking money from others such as teachers' and support staffs' salaries. Rep. Gantt's offered an amendment for materials to *"be unavailable to the student of the parent who filed such objection until the objection is resolved"*, rather than one person making materials unavailable to *all* students. Rep. Randy Fine (R-part of Brevard, district 33) had a back-and-forth with Gantt about what he called "government schools" or a "school run by the government," a description that he said did not apply to all public schools. Three hands were raised to require a roll call vote, which failed along party lines.

In public testimony, proponents disputed the "book ban" description and said the bill protected children's innocence. Multiple people asked about unclear language and a lack of definitions, such as what constituted "instructional material", and expressed fears about health, safety, and life. A Monroe County School Board member said that training on the prior year's bill said "school districts are supposed to err on the side of caution" and the resulting fear was causing "mayhem". One of the parents called out Rep. Fine, "who keeps laughing at every queer person that comes up here, openly," and was scolded by the chair to "be respectful"; the chair also spoke up to say a student's testimony was incorrect about the bill being a companion bill to HB 1557.

In debate, Rep. Mike Beltran (R-parts of Hillsborough, Manatee, district 70) claimed that the bill was correct about sex and he had never heard any legislators make derogatory remarks about any group. Rep. Brad Yeager (R-part of Pasco, district 56) argued against including intersex people in the definition of sex, saying they were less than 99.9% of the population and sex was otherwise binary. Rep. Fine claimed that people on "the other side" had shared his belief that "only girls can have periods", characterized opponents as making "silly argument on a bill that doesn't exist", and that the broad question of book banning was "intellectually dishonest" and "intellectually bankrupt".

In closing, sponsor McClain contradicted his prior answer about menstruation by saying puberty fell into "human growth development" currently taught in grades 4-5 while human sexuality was in grades 6-12. He said various opposing points were "misinformation" and that "this idea that book banning is taking place and all of that is a myth and is not true". According to McClain, only 23 of 67 school districts reported how many books they had removed in 2022, but of those 23 districts: 175 books were removed, 164 of those 175 were removed from media centers, and 157 of those 175 were removed "because they were either pornographic, or they were violent, or they were not age appropriate."

#### 2023-03-20, Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12

SB 1320's first stop was the Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12 on March 20, 2023. All votes on the bill were along party lines, with Republican members (including bill sponsor Sen. Yarborough and co-sponsor Sen. Perry) voting yea and Democratic members voting nay.

#### 2023-03-23, House Education & Employment Committee

CS/HB 1069 went to the House of Representatives Education & Employment Committee on March 23, 2023. All votes on the bill were along party lines, with Republican members (including bill sponsor Rep. McClain and co-sponsor Chair Massullo) voting yea and Democratic members voting nay.

### Positions on bills in 2023

#### Supporters

Legislators speaking in favor of the bills included:

* Rep. Fabián Basabe (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 106)
* Rep. Mike Beltran (R-parts of Hillsborough, Manatee, district 70)

Representing themselves or organizations at committee hearings, the following waived in support or provided public testimony as proponents of the bills: These members of the public were:

* Barney Bishop Consulting LLC
* Christian Family Coalition
* County Citizens Defending Freedom-Polk County (CCDF-Polk County)
* Florida Citizens Alliance
* Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops
* Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
* Florida Family Policy Council
* Florida Smart Justice Alliance
* Hispanic American Diabetes Foundation
* Moms for Liberty
* Parental Rights Florida
* Single-digit numbers of individuals, if any, including January Littlejohn

#### Opponents

Legislators vocally opposing the bills in the legislature included:

* Rep. Anna Eskamani
* Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 109)
* Rep. Jennifer "Rita" Harris (D-part of Orange, district 44)
* Rep. Dottie Joseph (D-part of Miami-Dade, district 108)
* Rep. Angie Nixon
* Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby who is openly queer
* Rep. Susan Valdés (D-part of Hillsborough, district 65), Democratic Ranking Member of the Choice & Innovation Subcommittee
* Rep. Marie Woodson
* Sen. Robin Bartleman
* Sen. Lori Berman
* Sen. Lauren Book (D-part of Broward, district 35), Minority (Democratic) Leader
* Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is openly gay
* Sen. Jason Pizzo (D-parts of Broward and Miami-Dade, district 37)

The following Republicans voted no on the bill in the final floor votes:

* Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (R-part of Miami-Dade, district 114)
* Rep. William Cloud "Will" Robinson, Jr. (R-part of Manatee, district 71)

Representing themselves or organizations at committee hearings, the following waived to oppose or provided public testimony as opponents of the bills. These members of the public were:

* American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLU of Florida)
* American Atheists
* Brevard Dem Women's Club
* Broward Teachers Union
* Equality Florida
* Faith in Public Life
* Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates
* Florida Education Association (FEA)
* Florida Freedom to Read Project
* Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW)
* Florida PTA
* Florida Rising
* Fund Education Now
* Guardians for Public Schools
* Gulf Coast LGBTQ+ Center
* Highlands County Education Association
* League of Women Voters
* New College of Florida
* One Orlando Alliance
* Rainbow SemDems
* PRISM FL, Inc.
* Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund (SPLC Action Fund)
* State Innovation Exchange Action
* Unidos US
* United Church of Gainesville
* Volusia United Educators
* Women's Voices of Southwest Florida (Women's Voices of SWFL)
* Working Family Lobby Corps
* Over one hundred individuals, including educators, parents, LGBTQ+ students, and students with LGBTQ+ parents

### State Board of Education

On March 16, 2023, the *Florida Administrative Register* published a proposed rule for the State Board of Education that would expand the effects of "Don't Say Gay" using the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida instead of the Florida Statutes, which depend on the state legislature passing bills. It requires that educators, in addition to the state statutory limitations on kindergarten through grade 8: "Shall not intentionally provide classroom instruction to students in prekindergarten through grade 3 on sexual orientation or gender identity" and "Shall not intentionally provide classroom instruction to students in grades 4 through 12 on sexual orientation or gender identity unless such instruction is either expressly required by state academic standards as adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C., or is part of a reproductive health course or health lesson for which a student's parent has the option to have his or her student not attend." Educators who violate the rule could be suspended or have their teaching licenses revoked.

The seven members of the State Board of Education were appointed by DeSantis or by former governor Rick Scott, including Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., a former state senator who was appointed by DeSantis in 2022. On April 19, 2023, the board passed the rule.

## Impacts

Before the Parental Rights in Education law took effect on July 1, 2022, it inspired other states to propose similar measures, including five Southern states that passed them. In Florida, it has had the chilling effect that activists previously warned about. The Leon County School Board approved a new "LGBTQ Inclusive School Guide" that would alert parents if their child is in a PE class or overnight school trip with another student who is "open about their gender identity". Palm Beach County removed the books *I Am Jazz* and *Call Me Max* from circulation and asked staff to flag course material or books with LGBTQ references. In Orange County, teachers were reportedly warned to avoid wearing rainbow items, remove pictures of same-sex spouses, and take down LGBTQ safe space stickers. Lake County cited the law as the reason it removed the picture book *And Tango Makes Three*, based on the true story of two male penguins incubating an egg and raising a chick together at the Central Park Zoo. The Miami-Dade County School Board decided that LGBTQ History Month would not be recognized in October 2022. In that month, the State Board of Education approved a rule that would potentially revoke the licenses of kindergarten through grade 3 teachers who allegedly provided instruction in sexual orientation or gender identity.

## Resources

### Legislation-related

* On the Florida House of Representatives website:
	+ CS/CS/HB 1557 - Parental Rights in Education (House of Representatives bill)
	+ SB 1834 (House website's presentation of the Senate bill)
	+ "Education & Employment Committee: Meeting Packet" (2022-01-20) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov. (before meeting)
	+ "Education & Employment Committee: Action Packet" (2022-01-20) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov. (after meeting)
	+ "Education & Employment Committee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1557" (2022-01-20). myfloridahouse.gov.
	+ "Judiciary Committee: Meeting Packet" (2022-02-17) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov. (before meeting)
	+ "Judiciary Committee: AMENDED Action Packet" (2022-02-17) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov. (after meeting)
	+ "Judiciary Committee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1557" (2022-02-17). myfloridahouse.gov.
	+ "The Journal of the House of Representatives, Number 25" (2022-02-22) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov.
	+ "The Journal of the House of Representatives, Number 27" (2022-02-24) [PDF]. myfloridahouse.gov.

* On the Florida Senate website:
	+ SB 1834 (Senate bill)
	+ CS/CS/HB 1557 (Senate website's presentation of the House bill taken up by Senate)
	+ "Committee Meeting Expanded Agenda: Education (Final Meeting Packet)" (2022-02-08) [PDF]. flsenate.gov. (after meeting)
	+ "Committee Meeting Expanded Agenda: Appropriations (Final Meeting Packet)" (2022-02-28) [PDF]. flsenate.gov. (after meeting)
	+ "Journal of the Senate, Number 20" (2022-03-07) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
	+ "Journal of the Senate, Number 21" (2022-03-08) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.

* On *The Florida Channel*:
	+ 1/20/22 House Education & Employment Committee — hearing of HB 1557 begins at 47:20
	+ 2/8/22 Senate Committee on Education — hearing of SB 1834 begins at 23:00 and continues to end
	+ 2/17/22 House Judiciary Committee — hearing of CS/HB 1557 begins at 30:30 and continues to end
	+ 2/24/22 House Session Part 1 — hearing of CS/CS/HB 1557 begins at 2:06:10 and continues to end
	+ 2/28/22 Senate Committee on Appropriations Part 1 — hearing of CS/CS/HB 1557 begins at 0:02:40 and continues to 3:08:20
	+ "3/7/22 Senate Session Part 3" (2022-03-07). *The Florida Channel*. — special order for CS/CS/HB 1557 begins at 0:11:27 and continues to 3:57:42
	+ "3/8/22 Senate Session" (2022-03-08). *The Florida Channel*. — third reading of CS/CS/HB 1557 begins at 0:05:20 and continues to 2:34:34
	+ "3/14/23 House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee" (2023-03-14). *The Florida Channel*. — HB 1223 begins at 0:21:27 and continues to end
	+ "3/15/23 House Education Quality Subcommittee" (2023-03-15). *The Florida Channel*. — HB 1069 begins at 0:38:00 and continues to 2:15:45

### News reports

See the article references for more.

* On *Florida Politics*:
	+ Hayes, Kelly: "'This is fear-mongering': Parents, teachers slam Senate bill limiting primary school talk about LGBTQ community" (2022-02-08). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Hayes, Kelly: "Equality Florida launches ad campaign combating 'don't say gay,' classroom censorship legislation" (2021-02-14). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Gancarski, A.G.: "Jimmy Patronis defends 'organic' legislative process on bill restricting LGBTQ discussions" (2022-02-15). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Delgado, Jason: "GOP proposed amendment on LGBTQ instruction bill raises tensions among critics" (2022-02-21). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Figueroa IV, Daniel: "'Grooming children for hate': Dem lawmakers, LGBTQ activists rally against amendments to LGBTQ instruction bill" (2022-02-21). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Figueroa IV, Daniel: "Nikki Fried says it's a 'dark day' as House readies to pass bill limiting discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools" (2022-02-22). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Downey, Renzo: "Jeff Brandes seeks broader 'human sexuality' wording in bill regulating LGBTQ school discussions" (2022-02-25). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
	+ Scheckner, Jesse: "Students, faith leaders to rally Monday at the Capitol against 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-06). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 7, 2022).
	+ Powers, Scott: "Gov. DeSantis spokesperson labels sex ed bill's opponents 'groomers'" (2022-03-06). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 7, 2022).
	+ Russon, Gabrielle: "Facing LGBTQ+ backlash, Disney outlines next steps in 'Don't Say Gay' controversy" (2022-03-09). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 10, 2022).

* Other Florida news outlets:
	+ Wilson, Kirby: "Florida's 'don't say gay' bills, explained" (2022-02-08). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on February 24, 2022).
	+ Solochek, Jeffrey S.: "Latest proposed change to Florida's 'don't say gay' bill riles Democrats" (2022-02-21). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Ceballos, Ana and Solochek, Jeffrey S.: "Florida House Democrats, Republicans clash over 'CRT', 'don't say gay' bills" (2022-02-22). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Solochek, Jeffrey S.: "Florida House approves CRT, 'don't say gay' bills" (2022-02-24). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Williams, Jeremy: "'Don't Say Gay' bill passes the Florida House" (2022-02-24). *Watermark*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Donovan, Evan: "Florida 'Don't Say Gay' bill passes House floor vote" (2022-02-24). wfla.com. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
	+ Izaguirre, Anthony (Associated Press): "Florida House passes GOP 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-02-25). *Miami Herald*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).

* National and world news:
	+ Yang, Maya: "Florida: Republican panel advances bill to ban LGBTQ+ discussion in schools" (2022-01-24). *The Guardian*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Daly, Michael: "Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Is as Vicious as It Sounds" (2022-02-10). *The Daily Beast*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
	+ "Florida House of Representatives passes 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-02-24). *BBC News*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Migdon, Brooke: "Florida House passes 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-02-24). *The Hill*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Levin, Bess: "Florida's Bigoted 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Is on Its Way to Becoming Law" (2022-02-25). *Vanity Fair*. (Archived on February 27, 2022).
	+ Izaguirre, Anthony: "'Don't Say Gay' bill passes in Florida, goes to governor" (2022-03-08). *AP News*. (Archived on March 8, 2022).
	+ Davis, Wynne: "Florida Senate passes a controversial schools bill labeled 'Don't Say Gay' by critics" (2022-03-08). *NPR*. (Archived on March 9, 2022).
	+ "Florida may ban girls' period talk in elementary grades" (2023-03-18). *AP News*. (Archived on March 19, 2023).

## Notes

### Footnotes

1. ↑ Lakey Love's pronouns are they/them and they are non-binary. They have been repeatedly misgendered in media reports.
2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Equality Florida gave the following bills descriptive nicknames in "2023 Equality Florida Legislative Slate" (2023-03-07). *Equality Florida*. (Archived on April 1, 2023).:

	* HB 991: Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses — Defamation Censorship *(failed)*
	* HB 999: Postsecondary Educational Institutions — "MAGA University" Bill *(passed as CS/CS/CS/SB 266)*
	* HB 1069: Education — Regressive Education (Archived on March 11, 2023), before effectively merging with HB 1223 *(passed)*
	* HB 1223: Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements — "Don't Say LGBTQ" Expansion *(incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069)*
	* HB 1421: Gender Clinical Interventions — Trans Ban *(passed as CS/SB 254)*
	* HB 1423: Protection of Children — Anti-Drag *(passed as SB 1438)*
	* HB 1521: Facility Requirements Based on Sex — Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill *(passed)*
	* SB 254: Treatments for Sex Reassignment — Criminalizing Gender Affirming Care (*passed)*
	* SB 266: High Education — "MAGA University" Bill *(passed)*
	* SB 1220: Defamation and Related Actions — Defamation Censorship *(failed)*
	* SB 1320: Child Protection in Public Schools — "Don't Say LGBTQ" Expansion *(incorporated into CS/CS/HB 1069)*
	* SB 1438: Protection of Children — Anti-Drag *(passed)*
	* SB 1674: Facility Requirements Based on Sex — Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill *(passed as CS/HB 1521)*
3. ↑ Next to the legislators' names, **R** indicates **R**epublican party and **D** indicates **D**emocratic party. After the dash, the names are the county or counties (in whole or in part) represented, followed by the district number at the time of the legislation. Some media reports put the legislator's city of residence rather than the county or counties represented; for instance, Joe Harding was often listed as "R-Williston", Williston being his city of residence, but he actually represented part of Marion County and all of Levy County, of which Williston is a city and Bronson is the county seat.
4. ↑ A committee substitute is a bill that has changed from the original filing through the amendments process in committee hearings.
5. ↑ From The Florida Senate Glossary: "Voice vote: An oral vote is allowed on some legislative issues such as motions, amendments, and resolutions." Since it is based on shouting "yea" or "nay", this process leaves the individual votes unclear. In the Senate, a voice vote can be immediately challenged with a show of hands by five Senators to require an electronic roll call; this tallies each individual vote by name.
6. ↑ To protect the privacy of minors who posted or appeared in posts without intending a wider audience, their social media accounts are not being cited unless they clearly expected some level of distribution (ex. a flyer or dozens of people posing together). Other references are needed for these schools: Apopka HS in Apopka, Orange Co; Atlantic Coast HS in Jacksonville, Duval Co; Cypress Creek HS in Orlando, Orange Co; Eustis HS in Eustis, Lake Co; Leto HS in Tampa, Hillsborough Co; Ocoee HS in Orlando, Orange Co; Palmetto HS in Palmetto, Manatee Co; Resilience Charter School in Gainesville, Alachua Co; South Lake HS in Groveland, Lake Co; Sunlake HS in Land o' Lakes, Pasco Co; Fort Clarke MS in Gainesville, Alachua Co; Thurgood Marshall Fundamental MS in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Co; and State College of Florida Collegiate School in Venice, Sarasota Co
7. ↑ The 2022 version of Florida Statute 1003.42(5) is: "Any student whose parent makes written request to the school principal shall be exempted from the teaching of reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS, its symptoms, development, and treatment. A student so exempted may not be penalized by reason of that exemption. Course descriptions for comprehensive health education shall not interfere with the local determination of appropriate curriculum which reflects local values and concerns. Each school district shall, on the district's website homepage, notify parents of this right and the process to request an exemption. The home page must include a link for a student's parent to access and review the instructional materials, as defined in s. 1006.29(2), used to teach the curriculum."

### Legislators

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 **Dennis Baxley**, Republican

	* 2000–2002, 2002–2004, 2004–2006, 2006–2007: Representative of district 24 (part of Marion County; resigned during fourth term to run for a Senate seat)
	* 2010–2012: Representative of district 24 (part of Marion County; began new eight-year term limit in 2010)
	* 2012–2014, 2014–2016: Representative of district 23 (part of Marion County; redrawn in 2012)
	* 2016–2018, 2018–2022: Senator of district 12 (Sumter County and parts of Lake and Marion Counties)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 13 (Lake County and part of Orange County; redrawn in 2022 and at eight-year term limit in 2024)
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 **Joe Harding**, Republican

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 22 (Levy County and part of Marion County)
	* 2022–2022: Representative of district 24 (part of Marion County; redrawn in 2022), elected but resigned prior to legislative session due to federal indictment
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 **Adam Anderson**, Republican

	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 57 (part of Pinellas County)
4. ↑ **Robert Alexander "Alex" Andrade**, Republican

	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 2 (parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 2 (parts of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties; redrawn in 2022)
5. ↑ **Douglas Michael "Doug" Bankson**, Republican

	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 39 (parts of Orange and Seminole Counties)
6. ↑ **Dean Black**, Republican

	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 15 (Nassau County and part of Duval County)
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 **Randy Fine**, Republican

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 53 (part of Brevard County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 33 (part of Brevard County; redrawn in 2022 and at eight-year term limit in 2024)
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 **Erin Grall**, Republican

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 54 (Indian River County and part of St. Lucie County)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 29 (Glades, Highlands, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties, and part of St. Lucie County; on first two-year)
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 **Ralph Massullo**, Republican

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 34 (Citrus County and part of Marion County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 23 (Citrus County and part of Marion County; redrawn in 2022 and at eight-year term limit in 2024)
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 **Stan McClain**, Republican

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 23 (part of Marion County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 27 (parts of Lake, Marion, and Volusia Counties; redrawn in 2022 at eight-year term limit in 2024)
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 **Keith Perry**, Republican

	* 2010–2012: Representative of district 22 (Dixie County, Gilchrist County, part of Alachua County)
	* 2012–2014, 2014–2016: Representative of district 21 (Dixie County, Gilchrist County, part of Alachua County; redrawn in 2012)
	* 2016–2018, 2018–2022: Senator of district 8 (Alachua County, Putnam County, part of Marion County)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 9 (Levy County, Marion County, and part of Alachua County; redrawn in 2022 and at eight-year term limit in 2024)
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 **Spencer Roach**, Republican

	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 79 (part of Lee County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 76 (De Soto County and parts of Charlotte and Lee Counties; redrawn in 2022)
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 **Michelle Salzman**, Republican

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 1 (part of Escambia County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 1 (part of Escambia County; redrawn in 2022)
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 **Tyler Sirois**, Republican

	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 51 (part of Brevard County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 31 (part of Brevard County; redrawn in 2022)
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 **Clay Yarborough**, Republican

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 12 (part of Duval County)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 4 (Nassau County and part of Duval County)
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 **Fentrice Driskell**, Democrat

	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 63 (part of Hillsborough County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 67 (part of Hillsborough County; redrawn in 2022)
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 **Angela "Angie" Nixon**, Democrat

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 14 (part of Duval)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 13 (part of Duval; redrawn in 2022)
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 **Michele K. Rayner-Goolsby**, Democrat

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 70 (parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 62 (parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties; redrawn in 2022)
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 **Carlos Guillermo Smith**, Democrat

	* 2016–2018, 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 49 (part of Orange County)
	* Not re-elected to redrawn district 37
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 **Marie Paule Woodson**, Democrat

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 101 (part of Broward County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 105 (parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties; redrawn in 2022)
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 **Anna Eskamani**, Democrat

	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Representative of district 47 (part of Orange County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 42 (part of Orange County; redrawn in 2022)
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 **Shevrin "Shev" Jones**, Democrat

	* 2012–2014, 2014–2016, 2016–2018, 2018–2020: Representative of district 101 (part of Broward County)
	* 2020–2022: Senator of district 35 (parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 34 (part of Miami-Dade County; redrawn in 2022)
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 **Lori Berman**, Democrat

	* 2012–2014, 2014–2016, 2016–2018: Representative of district 90 (part of Palm Beach County; resigned in 2018 to successfully run for Senate)
	* 2018–2020, 2020–2022: Senator of district 31 (part of Palm Beach County)
	* 2022–2024: Senator of district 26 (part of Palm Beach County; redrawn in 2022)
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 **Robin Bartleman**, Democrat

	* 2020–2022: Representative of district 104 (part of Broward County)
	* 2022–2024: Representative of district 103 (part of Broward County; redrawn in 2022)

## References

1. ↑ Perry, Mitch: "Dennis Baxley on gay adoption reversal: 'I simply can't affirm homosexuality'" (2015-04-01). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
2. ↑ Farrington, Brendan (Associated Press): "House bill: Churches don't have to wed gays" (2016-03-02). *The Daytona Beach News-Journal*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
3. ↑ "SB 1864: Vulnerable Child Protection Act". *The Florida Senate*.
4. ↑ Hayes, Kelly: "Confusion around LGBTQ panic defense bill stirs Senate committee" (2021-03-30). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kam, Dara (News Service of Florida): "Transgender Athlete Restrictions Move Forward In Florida Senate" (2021-03-31). *WUSF Public Media*. (Archived on April 14, 2021).
6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 6.25 6.26 6.27 "CS/CS/HB 1557 - Parental Rights in Education". *Florida House of Representatives*.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "CS/HB 1475 (2021) - Sex-specific Student Athletic Teams or Sports". *Florida House of Representatives*.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 "HB 241 (2021) - Parents' Bill of Rights". *Florida House of Representatives*.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ogles, Jacob: "'Parents' bill of rights' wins Senate Education Committee seal of approval" (2021-03-23). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 3, 2022).
10. ↑ Schorsch, Peter: "Joe Harding, lawmaker who sponsored 'Don't Say Gay' law, resigns after Covid relief fraud indictment" (2022-12-09). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on January 30, 2023).
11. ↑ United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida: "Former Florida State Representative Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, And Making False Statements In Connection With Covid-19 Relief Fraud" (2023-03-21). justice.gov. (Archived version).
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "CS/HB 1467 - K-12 Education". *Florida House of Representatives*. (Archived on March 17, 2023).
13. ↑ Friedman, Jonathan and Johnson, Nadine Farid: "Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools" (2022-09-19). pen.org. (Archived on March 18, 2023).
14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 14.13 14.14 14.15 14.16 14.17 14.18 14.19 14.20 14.21 14.22 14.23 14.24 14.25 14.26 14.27 14.28 14.29 14.30 "CS/CS/HB 1069 - Education". *Florida House of Representatives*.
15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 15.15 15.16 "CS/HB 1223 - Public PreK-12 Educational Institution and Instruction Requirements". *Florida House of Representatives*.
16. ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 16.16 16.17 16.18 16.19 16.20 16.21 16.22 16.23 "CS/SB 1320: Child Protection in Public Schools". *Florida Senate*.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "HB 991 - Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses". *Florida House of Representatives*.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "HB 999 - Postsecondary Educational Institutions". *Florida House of Representatives*.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 "HB 1421 - Gender Clinical Interventions". *Florida House of Representatives*.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "HB 1423 - Protection of Children". *Florida House of Representatives*.
21. ↑ "CS/HB 1521 - Facility Requirements Based on Sex". *Florida House of Representatives*.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 "CS/HB 1059 (2020) - Parental Rights". *Florida House of Representatives*.
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Mid-Session Update on 2020 Legislative Priorities" (2020-02-26). *Equality Florida*. (Archived on December 8, 2022).
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Sachs, Jeffrey; Friedman, Jonathan; and Young, Jeremy C.: "These 4 Florida Bills Censor Classroom Subjects and Ideas" (2022-03-17). *PEN America*. (Archived on February 21, 2023).
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Hayes, Kelly: "'Hateful': White House denounces Dennis Baxley's bill on LGBTQ discussions in the classroom" (2022-02-09). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
26. ↑ "CS/SB 266: Higher Education". *Florida Senate*.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "SB 1674: Facility Requirements Based on Sex". *Florida Senate*.
28. ↑ "HB 1365 (2020) - Vulnerable Child Protection Act". *Florida House of Representatives*.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "CS/SB 254: Treatments for Sex Reassignment". *Florida Senate*.
30. ↑ "SB 1220: Defamation and Related Actions". *Florida Senate*.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "SB 1438: Protection of Children". *Florida Senate*.
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Santich, Kate: "Advocates call DeSantis' veto of Pulse counseling, homeless youth shelter 'war on LGBTQ+ Floridians'" (2021-06-02). *Orlando Sentinel*. (Archived on March 20, 2022).
33. ↑ "LGBTQ Groups Blast Governor DeSantis for Stripping ALL funding for LGBTQ Programs from State Budget" (2021-06-21). *Equality Florida*. (Archived on March 20, 2022).
34. ↑ Galbraith, Alex: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoes money for mental health counseling for Pulse shooting survivors" (2021-06-02). *Orlando Weekly*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
35. ↑ Williams, Jeremy: "DeSantis vetoes funding for Pulse survivors, LGBTQ youth housing in state budget" (2021-06-02). *Watermark*. (Archived on February 24, 2022).
36. ↑ Kelley, Alexandra: "Florida Gov DeSantis vetoes mental health funding for Pulse shooting survivors" (2021-06-03). *The Hill*. (Archived on January 31, 2022).
37. ↑ Fung, Katherine: "Pulse Survivor Questions Timing of Ron DeSantis Vetoes, Why LGBTQ Isn't Represented on Staff: 'It's Shameful'" (2021-06-03). *Newsweek*. (Archived on March 20, 2022).
38. ↑ Lang, Nico: "Florida Governor Vetoes Mental Health Funding for Pulse Survivors on Second Day of Pride Month" (2021-06-03). *them.*. (Archived on March 20, 2022).
39. ↑ Downey, Renzo: "Anti-bullying page, including pro-LGBTQ links, removed from Education Department website" (2021-12-06). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
40. ↑ Brown, Danielle J.: "Dept. of Ed removed LGBTQ resources from website; Nikki Fried fills info gap" (2021-12-23). *Florida Phoenix*. (Archived on January 11, 2022).
41. ↑ Sexton, Christine Jordan: "Veto list: $500K in Orlando LGBTQ-plus funding zapped from budget" (2022-06-03). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on June 13, 2022).
42. ↑ Brown, Danielle J.: "Federal lawsuit: FL's trans athlete law 'has nothing to do with fairness or equality for girls or women in sports.'" (2021-07-06). *Florida Phoenix*. (Archived on December 21, 2021).
43. ↑ Wolff, Taylor: "House of Representatives Staff Analysis, Bill #: HB 1557 Parental Rights in Education". *Florida House of Representatives*.
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 Goñi-Lessan, Ana: "Lawsuit against Leon Schools says district excluded parents from gender discussions" (2021-11-16). *Tallahassee Democrat*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
45. ↑ Geggis, Anne: "House parental rights bill advances prohibiting some schoolhouse discussions of LGBTQ issues" (2022-01-20). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 Goñi-Lessan, Ana: "Judge dismisses lawsuit against Leon Schools that helped inspire 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2023-01-17). *Tallahassee Democrat*. (Archived on January 20, 2023).
47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Migdon, Brooke: "Lawsuit claims gender counseling to blame for child's suicide attempts" (2022-01-31). *The Hill*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Tracy, Kailey: "Lawsuit claims Clay County Schools withheld information about child's well-being before student attempted suicide" (2022-01-27). *First Coast News*. (Archived version).
49. ↑ 49.00 49.01 49.02 49.03 49.04 49.05 49.06 49.07 49.08 49.09 49.10 49.11 49.12 49.13 "CS/CS/HB 1557, Enrolled" (2022-03-08) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "HB 1557" (2022-01-11) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
51. ↑ "SB 1834" (2022-01-07). *The Florida Senate*.
52. ↑ "SB 1834: Parental Rights in Education". *The Florida Senate*.
53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 Hayes, Kelly: "'This bill is a Trojan horse:' Attempts to reorient House 'Don't Say Gay' bill toward parental rights erupt in debate" (2022-02-17). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
54. ↑ "Special order letter for Tuesday, February 22, 2022" (2022-02-17) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Hayes, Kelly: "'Slowly being erased': House preps for vote on LGBTQ instruction bill without controversial amendment" (2022-02-22). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
56. ↑ 56.00 56.01 56.02 56.03 56.04 56.05 56.06 56.07 56.08 56.09 56.10 56.11 "The Journal of the House of Representatives, Number 25" (2022-02-22) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 884605" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
58. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 784679" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
59. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 178971" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 705429" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
61. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 703365" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 600607" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
63. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 634251" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
64. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 870647" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
65. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 722367" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
66. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 194533" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 275051" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
68. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557 (2022): Amendment No. 138729" (2022-02-18) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 69.2 69.3 69.4 69.5 Hayes, Kelly: "'We are in distress': House passes LGBTQ instruction bill despite pleas from Democrats" (2022-02-24). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 25, 2022).
70. ↑ Downey, Renzo: "Senate panel to weigh bill limiting LGBTQ school discussions" (2022-02-28). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 Hayes, Kelly: "'It's not meant to be hateful': LGBTQ instruction bill advances to Senate floor" (2022-02-28). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 "Committee Vote Record: Appropriations: CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng." (2022-02-28) [PDF]. *The Florida Senate*.
73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 73.2 73.3 "2/28/22 Senate Committee on Appropriations Part 1" (2022-02-28). *The Florida Channel*.
74. ↑ Wilson, Kirby and Ceballos, Ana: "'Don't say gay': Senate panel rejects Republican's attempt to tone down bill" (2022-02-28). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on March 1, 2022).
75. ↑ Powers, Scott: "Democrat Carlos Smith endorses Jeff Brandes' amendment to sex ed bill" (2022-02-28). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 28, 2022).
76. ↑ Hayes, Kelly: "'No one understands this bill': Senators grapple with defining 'parental rights' proposal as vote approaches" (2022-03-07). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 8, 2022).
77. ↑ "3/7/22 Senate Session Part 3" (2022-03-07). *The Florida Channel*.
78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 "Journal of the Senate, Number 20" (2022-03-07) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
79. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 175814" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
80. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 907198" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
81. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 421704" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
82. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 427586" (2022-03-06) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 201756" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
84. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 755282" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
85. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 734244" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
86. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 538822" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
87. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 745072" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
88. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 486826" (2022-03-01) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
89. ↑ "Bill No. CS/CS/HB 1557, 1st Eng.: Senator Amendment 374376" (2022-03-04) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
90. ↑ 90.0 90.1 Hayes, Kelly: "'Gay is not a permanent thing': Legislature sends controversial 'parental rights' bill to Governor" (2022-03-08). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 9, 2022).
91. ↑ 91.00 91.01 91.02 91.03 91.04 91.05 91.06 91.07 91.08 91.09 91.10 91.11 91.12 91.13 91.14 91.15 91.16 91.17 "Education & Employment Committee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1557" (2022-01-20). *Florida House of Representatives*.
92. ↑ 92.00 92.01 92.02 92.03 92.04 92.05 92.06 92.07 92.08 92.09 92.10 92.11 92.12 92.13 92.14 92.15 92.16 92.17 92.18 92.19 92.20 92.21 92.22 92.23 "Committee Meeting Expanded Agenda: Education (Final Meeting Packet)" (2022-02-08) [PDF]. *The Florida Senate*.
93. ↑ 93.00 93.01 93.02 93.03 93.04 93.05 93.06 93.07 93.08 93.09 93.10 93.11 93.12 93.13 93.14 93.15 93.16 93.17 93.18 93.19 93.20 93.21 93.22 93.23 93.24 93.25 93.26 93.27 93.28 93.29 93.30 "Judiciary Committee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1557" (2022-02-17). *Florida House of Representatives*.
94. ↑ 94.00 94.01 94.02 94.03 94.04 94.05 94.06 94.07 94.08 94.09 94.10 94.11 94.12 94.13 94.14 94.15 94.16 94.17 94.18 94.19 94.20 94.21 94.22 94.23 94.24 94.25 94.26 94.27 "Committee Meeting Expanded Agenda: Appropriations (Final Meeting Packet)". *The Florida Senate*.
95. ↑ Staff Reports: "Sixty Days for 2.10.22 — A prime-time look at the 2022 Legislative Session" (2022-02-10). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on February 11, 2022).
96. ↑ Smiley, David: "Florida Rep. Shevrin Jones opens up as a gay man: 'I'm living my truth.'" (2018-08-23). *Miami Herald*. (Archived on August 23, 2018).
97. ↑ 97.0 97.1 97.2 97.3 97.4 97.5 97.6 "The Journal of the House of Representatives, Number 27" (2022-02-24) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 98.2 "Education & Employment Committee: Action Packet" (2022-01-20) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
99. ↑ "Judiciary Committee: AMENDED Action Packet" (2022-02-17) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
100. ↑ 100.0 100.1 100.2 100.3 100.4 100.5 100.6 100.7 Perry, Mitch: "Students walk out of Florida schools to protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Bay News 9*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
101. ↑ 101.0 101.1 101.2 101.3 101.4 Callihan, Ryan: "'We have a voice.' Local students join Florida protests against 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Bradenton Herald*. (Archived version).
102. ↑ 102.0 102.1 102.2 102.3 102.4 102.5 102.6 102.7 102.8 102.9 Ross, Nikki: "Student organizer of FL's 'Don't Say Gay' school walkout suspended from Flagler school" (2022-03-03). *The Daytona Beach News-Journal*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
103. ↑ 103.0 103.1 103.2 103.3 103.4 103.5 103.6 FlaglerLive: "'Say Gay! Say Gay! Say Gay!' FPC Students Chant in Walkout Protesting Bills; Organizer Jack Petocz Is Suspended" (2022-03-03). flaglerlive.com. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
104. ↑ 104.0 104.1 104.2 104.3 104.4 104.5 104.6 104.7 104.8 Braun, Michael; Mercader, Rachel Heimann; and Rodriguez, Tomas: "'Say Gay!' Students at SWFL high schools raise voices against Parental Rights in Education bill" (2022-03-03). *Fort Myers News-Press*. (Archived version).
105. ↑ 105.0 105.1 105.2 105.3 105.4 FOX 35 Orlando: "Florida students stage walkouts in protest of 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *FOX 35 Orlando*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
106. ↑ 106.0 106.1 106.2 106.3 106.4 106.5 106.6 106.7 Harrell, Gershon: "Alachua County students mobilize in protest of the controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *The Gainesville Sun*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
107. ↑ 107.0 107.1 107.2 107.3 107.4 107.5 107.6 McLean, Joe: "Students across Florida stage walkouts in protest of 'Don't Say Gay' legislation" (2022-03-03). *News4JAX.com*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
108. ↑ 108.0 108.1 108.2 108.3 108.4 Pedersen, Joe Mario and Swisher, Skyler: "Florida high school students walk out of class to protest 'don't say gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Orlando Sentinel*. (Archived version).
109. ↑ 109.0 109.1 109.2 109.3 109.4 109.5 109.6 Goñi-Lessan, Ana: "High school students across Florida walk out to protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Tallahassee Democrat*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
110. ↑ 110.00 110.01 110.02 110.03 110.04 110.05 110.06 110.07 110.08 110.09 110.10 110.11 110.12 Solochek, Jeffrey S. and Sokol, Marlene: "Tampa Bay students walk out in protest of Florida's 'don't say gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
111. ↑ 111.0 111.1 111.2 111.3 111.4 111.5 111.6 111.7 111.8 111.9 Campbell, Troy: "Central Florida students, community members protest controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-04). *WKMG/ClickOrando.com*. (Archived on March 5, 2022). Names of high schools via Seminole County Public Schools.
112. ↑ 112.0 112.1 112.2 112.3 Ogles, Jacob: "Thousands of Florida Students Walk Out to Protest 'Don't Say Gay' Bill" (2022-03-03). *Advocate.com*. (Archived version). (Note: article contains errors regarding names of cities where schools are located)
113. ↑ 113.0 113.1 Migdon, Brooke: "Florida students walk out of class in protest of 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-04). *The Hill*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
114. ↑ 114.0 114.1 114.2 114.3 114.4 114.5 Lavietes, Matt: "Florida students stage school walkouts over 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *NBC News*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
115. ↑ 115.0 115.1 Palmer, Ewan: "Florida Student Who Organized 'Don't Say Gay' Protest Is Suspended" (2022-03-04). *Newsweek*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
116. ↑ Marino, Melissa: "Tampa Bay students protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill by walking out of class" (2022-03-03). *WFLA News Channel 8*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
117. ↑ 117.0 117.1 117.2 NBC2 News: "SWFL students hold walkout to protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-04). nbc-2.com. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
118. ↑ DPHS Gender Sexuality Alliance: "DPHS's 'Don't Say Gay' Walkout" (2022-03-05). instagram.com. (Archived version).
119. ↑ 119.0 119.1 Gallion, Bailey: "Brevard students walk out of class to protest Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Florida Today*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
120. ↑ 120.0 120.1 Krietz, Andrew: "St. Petersburg students protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill in Florida Legislature with walkout" (2022-03-03). wtsp.com. (Archived version).
121. ↑ The Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville.com: "Students in Jacksonville and across Florida protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill (Instagram)". instagram.com. (Archived version).
122. ↑ WINK News: "Students across Southwest Florida walk out to protest 'Don't say gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *WINK News*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
123. ↑ Feindt, Casey: "High school students in Orange Park walk out of class to protest Florida's 'don't say gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *First Coast News*. (Archived version).
124. ↑ Badash, David: "'We Say Gay': Thousands of Students Across Florida Walk Out to Protest DeSantis-Backed 'Don't Say Gay' Bill" (2022-03-03). *New Civil Rights Movement*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
125. ↑ 125.0 125.1 Gholar, Samantha: "Pine View High School class president organizes 'Say Gay' walkout" (2022-03-03). *Sarasota Herald-Tribune*. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
126. ↑ Rousseau, Beth: "Pasco students plan walkouts to protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-07). *WFLA News Channel 8*. (Archived on March 7, 2022).
127. ↑ Gutierrez, Annette: "Riverview High students protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-03). *Suncoast News Network*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
128. ↑ Ceballos, Ana and Wilson, Kirby: "Florida's 'don't say gay' bill passed, headed to DeSantis amid student protests" (2022-03-08). *Tampa Bay Times*. (Archived on March 8, 2022).
129. ↑ Stofan, Jake: "In Jacksonville and across Florida students protest 'Don't Say Gay' Bill" (2022-03-03). *Action News Jax*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
130. ↑ Will Larkins: "WPHS Walkout Information" (2022-03-04). twitter.com. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
131. ↑ Prieur, Danielle: "Listen in: Winter Park High School students protest 'Don't Say Gay' bill, other anti-LGBTQ legislation" (2022-03-07). *WMFE*. Community Communications Inc..
132. ↑ Vera, Amir and Alvarado, Caroll: "Florida students participate in massive walkout to protest the 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-07). *CNN*. (Archived on March 8, 2022).
133. ↑ Petocz, Jack: ""Don't Say Gay" Walkout (tweet)" (2022-02-24). twitter.com. (Archived on February 24, 2022).
134. ↑ Petocz, Jack: "Statement from Jack Petocz (tweet)" (2022-03-22). twitter.com. (Archived on March 4, 2022).
135. ↑ Delgado, Jason: "Tallahassee students protest LGBTQ instruction bill inside Florida Capitol" (2022-03-03). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 5, 2022).
136. ↑ Figueroa IV, Daniel: "Florida students hold 'Proud to Say Gay' rally on Capitol steps, plan sit-in ahead of final vote on controversial bill" (2021-03-07). *Florida Politics*. (Archived on March 7, 2022).
137. ↑ Swisher, Skyler and Postal, Leslie: "Florida Senate presses on with 'don't say gay' bill, ignoring protests" (2022-03-07). *Orlando Sentinel*. (Archived version).
138. ↑ Goñi-Lessan, Ana: "Teachers, students, LGBTQ advocates make final push against 'Don't Say Gay' bill" (2022-03-07). *Tallahassee Democrat*. (Archived version).
139. ↑ "CS/SB 1320" (2023-03-21) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
140. ↑ Dailey, Ryan and Sanford, Kyla: "Amid Transgender Day of Visiblity, Florida House restricts lessons, pronouns" (2023-03-31). *Tallahassee Democrat*. (Archived on May 29, 2023).
141. ↑ 141.0 141.1 141.2 141.3 "HB 1069" (2023-02-22) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
142. ↑ "CS/CS/HB 1069" (2023-03-23) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
143. ↑ 143.0 143.1 143.2 143.3 "HB 1223" (2023-02-28) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
144. ↑ 144.0 144.1 144.2 144.3 144.4 144.5 "SB 1320" (2023-03-01) [PDF]. *Florida Senate*.
145. ↑ 145.0 145.1 "Committee Vote on CS/HB 1223" (2023-03-14). *Florida House of Representatives*. (Archived on March 20, 2023).
146. ↑ "Bill No. HB 1223 (2023): Amendment No. 295091" (2023-03-13) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
147. ↑ 147.0 147.1 147.2 147.3 147.4 147.5 147.6 "3/14/23 House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee" (2023-03-14). *The Florida Channel*.
148. ↑ "Committee Vote on CS/HB 1069" (2023-03-15). *Florida House of Representatives*. (Archived on March 20, 2023).
149. ↑ 149.0 149.1 149.2 149.3 149.4 149.5 149.6 149.7 149.8 149.9 "3/15/23 House Education Quality Subcommittee" (2023-03-15). *The Florida Channel*.
150. ↑ Dailey, Ryan: "A Florida House panel advances a bill that would bolster scrutiny of school books" (2023-03-16). *WUSF Public Media*. (Archived on March 17, 2023).
151. ↑ "Bill No. HB 1069 (2023): Amendment No. 920353" (2023-03-09) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
152. ↑ "Committee Vote Record, Item: SB 1320" (2023-03-20). *Florida Senate*.
153. ↑ "Committee Vote on PCS for CS/HB 1069" (2023-03-23). *Florida House of Representatives*. (Archived on March 25, 2023).
154. ↑ 154.00 154.01 154.02 154.03 154.04 154.05 154.06 154.07 154.08 154.09 154.10 154.11 154.12 154.13 154.14 154.15 154.16 154.17 154.18 154.19 154.20 154.21 154.22 154.23 154.24 154.25 154.26 154.27 154.28 154.29 154.30 "Choice & Innovation Subcommittee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1223" (2023-03-14). *Florida House of Representatives*.
155. ↑ 155.00 155.01 155.02 155.03 155.04 155.05 155.06 155.07 155.08 155.09 155.10 155.11 155.12 155.13 155.14 155.15 155.16 155.17 155.18 155.19 155.20 155.21 155.22 "Education Quality Subcommittee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1069" (2023-03-15). *Florida House of Representatives*.
156. ↑ 156.00 156.01 156.02 156.03 156.04 156.05 156.06 156.07 156.08 156.09 156.10 156.11 156.12 156.13 156.14 156.15 156.16 156.17 156.18 156.19 156.20 156.21 156.22 156.23 "Committee Meeting Expanded Agenda: Education Pre-K-12 (Post Meeting Packet)" (2023-03-21) [PDF]. *The Florida Senate*.
157. ↑ 157.00 157.01 157.02 157.03 157.04 157.05 157.06 157.07 157.08 157.09 157.10 157.11 157.12 157.13 157.14 157.15 157.16 157.17 157.18 "Education & Employment Committee Meeting Appearance Listing, Bill: 1069" (2023-03-23). *Florida House of Representatives*.
158. ↑ 158.0 158.1 "The Journal of the House of Representatives, Number 16" (2023-03-31) [PDF]. *Florida House of Representatives*.
159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 "Volume 49, Number 52, March 16, 2023" (2023-03-16). *Florida Administrative Register*. (Archived on March 23, 2023).
160. ↑ 160.0 160.1 160.2 160.3 160.4 Postal, Leslie: "Florida rule would expand so-called 'don't say gay' to 12th grade" (2023-03-21). Orlando Sentinel. (Archived on March 25, 2023).
161. ↑ Pendharker, Eesha: "Florida Just Expanded the 'Don’t Say Gay' Law. Here's What You Need to Know" (2023-04-19). *Education Week*. (Archived on July 3, 2023).
162. ↑ 162.0 162.1 Lavietes, Matt: "As Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law takes effect, schools roll out LGBTQ restrictions" (2022-06-30). *NBC News*. (Archived on July 1, 2022).