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March 9, 2022

Florida Senate Approves Highly Contested "Don't Say Gay" Bill Despite Widespread Outcry
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The Florida Senate passed the anti-LGBTQ education bill known as the
"Don't Say Gay" bill Tuesday, despite stark opposition from Democrats,
rights advocates and many students and educators. The bill, which would
ban discussions of sexuality and gender identity in schools, now heads
to the desk of Gov. Ron De Santis, who has voiced support for the
measure. On Tuesday, state Senator Shevrin Jones, Florida's first openly
gay member of the Senate, made an emotional plea to his colleagues
during debate.

State Sen. Shevrin Jones: "And to those who think you can legislate gay
people away, I'm sorry. You cannot. I think you should spend your time
legislating to protect them. … So to those children who were out there
yesterday and to every person who has been rejected by anyone, we love
you. Thank you for showing up every single day as your true, authentic
self. Keep going."



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