GLSEN Responds to DeSantis Signing Four Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Into Law

GLSEN Responds to DeSantis Signing Four Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Into Law

Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed four different anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law: The “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” expansion (HB 1069), extending last year’s legislation from K-3 to 8th grade; a gender-affirming care ban (SB 254) with sweeping impacts on transgender youth and adults; an anti-drag bill (SB 1438) seeking to censor art; and a bill restricting transgender students from accessing bathrooms aligned with their gender identity in K-12 schools and public facilities (HB 1521).

“Governor DeSantis is trying to turn back the clock on progress and erase LGBTQ+ people from existence,” said GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers. “He’s using vulnerable communities as political pawns in an attempt to gain power and further his own career. These laws will result in catastrophic consequences for LGBTQ+ Floridians, especially LGBTQ+ youth.”

“We know that inclusive curriculum and LGBTQ+ representation benefits all students; and every single major medical association in the U.S. supports gender-affirming care for youth. As Floridians continue to face attacks on their education, healthcare, and bodily autonomy, we’re calling on legislators, advocates, and allies to rise up with us and support LGBTQ+ youth.”

About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial, intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.