Florida: Ron DeSantis' Bill Deemed Anti-Chinese, Draws Backlash

New proposed legislation backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is getting backlash as it would ban citizens from certain countries, including China, from owning land or property in The Sunshine State. They could, but they should also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The bill was considered a priority bill and is being backed by DeSantis himself, as well as Republican legislators and a few Democrats. It targets citizens of Russia, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, as it bars them from purchasing land or property within a mile of a military base or piece of critical infrastructure.

However, the reason it was branded racist as it specifically bans Chinese citizens from purchasing land or property statewide. It was approved by the Florida House this week by 95-17, according to Newsweek. It will now go back to the Florida State Senate where it previously received a unanimous vote.

Opponents say that this legislation would possibly violate the 1968 Fair Housing Act which bans "discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, or sex in the sale of housing." Chinese Americans took to the Florida Capitol to protest against the bill.

The bill actually came from growing concern regarding Chinese ownership of U.S. agricultural land. This includes farmland purchased by the Chinese in North Dakota back in 2022 that is near an air base.

Controversial Florida Bills Part of Ron DeSantis' Anti-Woke Agenda

Florida has now gotten quite the reputation for introducing controversial bills like this one. Other controversial bills include the "Don't Say Gay" law, as well as bans on the teaching of critical race theory.

Ron DeSantis and his allies have been targeting "woke" ideology, and they have recently approved a bill that prevents colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The bill is now awaiting to be signed by DeSantis, though it has sparked a massive debate about free speech in Florida's higher-education system and campus speech. Critics say that the bill will drive away top faculty members and students, according to NBC-6 Miami.

Many have pointed out that bills such as "Don't Say Gay" and this latest one that targets colleges and universities violate the 1st Amendment.

"It seems what the state is seeking to do is prohibit any type of speech in our classrooms that doesn't tow the line of what the state wants to hear," stated Florida International University assistant professor and faculty union president.

Lewis Hamilton Slams Ron DeSantis' Policies During the Miami Grand Prix

Racing champion Lewis Hamilton was in Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, and he did not hold back on his criticism of Ron DeSantis and his "anti-woke" policies, especially the "Don't Say Gay" law.

"It's not good. At all," the F-1 racing champion said. "I stand by the LGBTQ community here and hope they continue to push back."

He showed solidarity with the LGBTQ community during the race as he sported a rainbow helmet. He stated that Florida's policies are the same oppressive ones they have in Saudi Arabia, saying, "It is not the right direction and not the right message."

"My sympathy and thoughts are with the people here in Miami. It's not them making the decisions, it's the people in government and that's the issue," said the Mercedes driver, who said that while he is in Florida, he will continue to support the LGBTQ community.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Florida bill seeking to ban Chinese citizens from owning land passes House - MSNBC