Jacksonville locals gather to protest ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Locals in Jacksonville protested a Florida bill set to ban the discussion of sexual orientation in schools Saturday afternoon.

The “Parental Rights in Education” bill — also nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — is making its way to the state Senate floor.

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Around 50 people made their voices heard at the Duval County Courthouse.

Protesters feel what some call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill is hateful to LGBTQ students.

The bill orders schools not to encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity.

Under the bill, parents would be able to sue if they believe a school is violating any provisions.

Advocates like Gov. DeSantis, who has openly supported the bill, insist it’s about parental rights.

During a visit to Jacksonville Friday, he said the bill is about not introducing sexual education to young students.

“You actually look at the bill, and it says no sexual instruction in grades pre-K through third. And so how many parents want their kindergartners to have transgenderism, or something injected into classroom instruction.”

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Two organizers of the protest today said they’re bisexual and growing up wasn’t easy.

“I identify as a bisexual woman and it took me a while to come out,” said co-organizer Monica Martinez.

“So to think about how this would’ve strained my identity and also strained my childhood years really makes me upset, because I truly empathize with the minors and the small children that might have to go through all these horrors with this bill.”

“What I want for the LGBTQ youth, I want them to feel safe in school and be able to open up about their sexual orientation and sexual identity and be able to talk about the gay rights movement,” said co-organizer Brianna Mooney.

The Florida House has already approved the bill and the Senate will vote on Monday.

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