Florida Public Schools No Longer Allowed to Teach About Sexuality, Gender Identity

Florida public schools are no longer allowed to teach about sexuality and gender identity after the state's Board of Education expanded the state's existing "Don't Say Gay" legislation on Wednesday.

CBS News reported that all Florida public school educators cannot "intentionally" instruct students in grades K-12 about sexual orientation or gender identity in line with the new rule "unless such instruction is either expressly required by state academic standards" or "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."

Alex Lanfranconi, the director of communications at the Florida Department of Education, told CBS News that state educators are expected to teach to the state's academic standards.

However, Lanfranconi added that topics about sexuality or gender identity have "no place in the classroom" unless it is required by law.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initially proposed the expansion bills in March. He imposed the first "Parental Rights in Education" law in the state over a year ago.

Florida Schools Banning Sexuality and Gender Identity Teachings

The law initially prohibited the instruction of topics regarding sexuality and gender identity from kindergarten to third grade or in a way that was not age appropriate for all other grades, according to CNN.

Ron DeSantis argued that young children should not be exposed to concepts like gender identity, not pushing the ban to apply to upper-grade levels.

The measure has also sparked the war between DeSantis and Disney. On Wednesday, DeSantis noted that "gender ideology has no place" in the K-12 school system. He added that it was wrong for a teacher to tell a student they could have been born "in the wrong body."

A recent development includes lawmakers considering a bill that allows the state to fine, suspend or revoke the license of an establishment that admits children into an "adult live performance." LGTBQ advocates interpret it as a crackdown on drag shows.

Critics of Florida School Ban

Opponents of the measure argued that each person has their own sexual orientation and gender identity. Laura McGinnis, LGBTQ advocacy group PFLAG, said the measure would make it impossible to do much instruction at all, ABC News reported.

Critics dubbed the measure as "Don't Say Gay," arguing that it aims to restrict curriculum that includes history, literature, and more topics that touch on LGBTQ identities.

The challengers of the "Don't Say Gay" said the bill would "censor speech" and prevent people from talking about their identities due to its vague descriptions of "instruction" and gender identity and sexual orientation.

An attendee at the Wednesday hearing told the board there was no clear distinction between discussion and instruction.

On the other hand, a supporter of the bill claimed it would strengthen "the relationship between parents and children" as it leaves very personal important conversations between students and their families.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: 'Don't Say Gay' Expansion Requested by Gov. DeSantis Approved - From CBS Miami