Florida: Joe Biden, Ron DeSantis Trade Barbs Over Anti-LGBTQ Laws

By Mary Webber First Posted: Mar 14, 2023 09:07 PM EDT

U.S. President Joe Biden has condemned the Florida anti-LGBTQ laws, describing them as "cruel" and "close to sinful."

The president made the statement during his Monday appearance on "The Daily Show." He then went on to say that it is not like a child would wake up one morning and would decide they would want to "become a man" or "become a woman," according to NBC News.

The Democratic president went on to say that those who are subjected to those legislations are human beings.

Florida is one of the states passing legislation against transgender rights, with its governor, Ron DeSantis, launching a ban on gender-affirming care for minors and Medicaid recipients.

DeSantis also signed a law that prevents trans women and girls from participating on a sports team that matches their gender identity.

Meanwhile, Biden signed a measure last year codifying protections for same-sex and interracial marriages.

DeSantis has replied to Biden's disapproval of Florida's anti-LGBTQ laws.

The Republican governor tweeted that it was "not sinful to prohibit the mutilation of minors."

DeSantis went on to say that it is unacceptable for the federal government to mandate "sex operations be allowed for kids."

The Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity on housing, education, and other public accommodations.

Florida Anti-LGBTQ Laws

Ten anti-LGBTQ bills were imposed on several states across the U.S., including Florida.

Some of the states enforcing the same restrictions focusing on sports and education include Alabama, Indiana, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah.

The 19th News reported that two of the most prominent bills are in Florida restricting classroom discussion of gender and sexuality, which is called "Don't Say Gay" by those opposing the measure.

Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill directly bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to the third grade.

However, LGBTQ advocacy groups argue that the bill also restricts instruction in grades four through 12.

The law states that such instruction cannot be imposed in a manner that is not-age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.

Ron DeSantis's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

Some Florida schools have moved books and debated changing textbooks in response to the said measure.

Some teachers also expressed worries that family pictures on their desks could get them in trouble, as reported by PBS.

The new law also was criticized due to one main reason, with critics citing that the law was unnecessary as teachers do not cover such subjects in early grades.

One teacher said that the law "others" LGBTQ students. Gretchen Robinson, a lesbian high school teacher in Orange County, said that the messaging of the measure "is horrible," "toxic," and "discriminatory."

Opponents also noted that the law would suppress classroom discussion, with the measure not having any clarifications on what is deemed inappropriate.

It also encouraged parents to file lawsuits against districts, which could prompt more tensions between conservatives and school officials.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Joe Biden signs order to fight anti-LGBTQ state bills: 'You are loved' - from Guardian News