Celebrities, Twitter users hit back with dismay at Florida’s “don’t say gay” bill
On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the controversial “don’t say gay bill,” which was passed as the “Parental Rights in Education” bill. Opponents from all sides keep naming the bill as the “don’t say gay bill.” This is driving confusion among citizens from all states.
The passing of this new Florida bill fuels even Twitter users. However, do they know what the bill encompasses?
On the seven-page bill, the text composition never mentions the word “gay.” The provisions within the Florida bill only offer very few details of how the ban on teachers instructing sexuality and gender will be imposed in the public schools. However, both sides claim they precisely understand what the intentions are.
How is it discrimination to not teach K- 3rd grade about gender identity and sex education? Would you trust your 6 year old in the hands of a stranger with such topics? If so, that would make you a terrible parent.
Read the bill, idiot. https://t.co/N1bSOgqaGO
— Raskolnikov (@Friendly_NYer) March 28, 2022
According to DeSantis, the goal of HB 1557 is “providing protections for parents and enforcing parents’ rights.” Focusing on their children and preventing a trend of “sexualizing children.” Which the governor claimed is rampant in other states.
Supporters of the Florida bill claim that anger from opposing sides is due to misinformation. A false narrative is circulating on the real intentions of HB 1557.
“Read the Bill” became trending on Twitter on Tuesday. The Florida bill supporters are facing the bill’s critics and charging them with the failure to take the time to read the new legislation. But instead, these critics are creating a buzz to push political narratives, which can be proven untrue once everyone reads this Florida bill.
Everyone from celebrities to politicians has expressed their dismay these past few days. Using their social media platforms and even the Oscar awards night, they oppose the GOP’s new Florida bill. According to most of the Twitter posts, the Florida bill prevents using the word “gay” in schools, which can create a non-inclusive and hostile community for gay people in Florida.
Everyone, read the 7 page bill. Don’t just accept the Slate/Blue Anon/Wiener narrative.
The bill simply gives parents overt control over sensitive subject matter.
In previous posts you’ve referred to “our” kids. The kids are not “ours” Scott.
They’re certainly not yours.
— John Dennis (@RealJohnDennis) March 29, 2022
The Real Deal of the Bill
The billing name “Don’t Say Gay” wasn’t even the bill’s official title. But it kept on circulating when a reporter started calling HB 1557 the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
DeSantis responded earlier this month, “Does it say that in the bill? Does it say that in the bill? I’m asking you to tell me what’s in the bill because you’re pushing false narratives.”
The reporter responded, “It says it bans classroom instruction on sexual identity and gender orientation.”
The governor shots back, “For who? For grades pre-K through three. So five-year-olds, six-year-olds, seven-year-olds, and the idea that you wouldn’t be honest about that. And tell people what it actually says; it’s why people don’t trust people like you. Because you peddle false narratives.”
I expect the Vice President of the United States to read the bill. pic.twitter.com/q3bXNJbVR7
— KRenner (@KRenner2) March 28, 2022
While this Florida bill focuses on the sexual orientation and gender identity discussion to lower elementary school grades, the bill also ensures officials will notify parents of healthcare services at their children’s schools. They can also choose to decline to avail of these services if they decide not to.
Adverse Reactions
After the Florida bill signing on Monday, Oregon Democratic Governor Kate Brown released a video. She stated that HB 1557 is an “anti LGBTQIA+ legislation.”She added, “In Oregon, we say gay.” And she pointed out that Oregon was a “welcoming place for all.” With an implication that Florida wasn’t the same with the new bill.
In Oregon, we say gay.
I'm horrified and outraged by the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation that was just signed in Florida, making schools a less safe space for LGBTQIA+ kids. Oregon will always be a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place — no matter one’s sexual orientation or identity. pic.twitter.com/x2I04Klo0M
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) March 28, 2022
Moreover, celebrities also shared the same sentiments expressing them on Oscars night. Actress Wanda Sykes said, “We will have a great night tonight. And for you people in Florida, we’re going to have a gay night.”
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Her comment touting the bill’s narrative earned applause from the multitude of actors and actresses. “Gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay, gay,” said the actresses Regina Hall and Amy Schumer, who were co-hosting onstage with Sykes.
"We're gonna have a great night tonight—and for you people in Florida, we're going to have a gay night."
Oscar hosts address Florida's widely-criticized "don't say gay" bill. https://t.co/1H1Y9jC9bl#oscars pic.twitter.com/6Tmf3RcXAP
— ABC News (@ABC) March 28, 2022
Statement from The Walt Disney Company on signing of Florida legislation: pic.twitter.com/UVI7Ko3aKS
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) March 28, 2022
Other celebrities like “Star Wars actor Oscar Isaac and “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington also expressed their disapproval. Even major corporations such as Disney have condemned the non-inclusive Florida bill in public.
Although some critics claim that the Florida bill provisions are useless, the bill does not state such. And that teachers are not tackling gender theory with younger kids. However, several incidents of teaching gender identity to kids have occurred across most states. Similar to the incident in Washington State just this week.
