Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (right) signed his controversial “Parental Rights in Education” bill into law on Monday, March 28.
The legislation, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, bans teaching LGBT+ subjects including gender identity or sexual orientation to young students in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
DeSantis said the subjects can be taught to students in grades 4 or higher, but the lessons should be age and developmentally appropriate.
Gov. DeSantis, a traditional Republican, said parents should send their children to school for an “education, not an indoctrination.”
The bill drew criticism and backlash from LGBT+ groups and Hollywood celebrities who say children as young as ages 5-8 should learn about gender identities and transgenderism.
Actress Raven-Symoné and the cast and crew of her Disney+ series “Raven’s Home” joined Disney employees in a planned walkout last week.
RELATED: Raven-Symoné joins Disney walkout in protest of Florida’s ‘Don’t Groom Kids’ bill
Raven, who is openly lesbian, shared a video on Instagram, which she captioned:
“In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the ‘don’t say gay bill’ we the cast of Ravens Home are walking out. In todays world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards. Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for [sic].”
Disney on Monday promised to join efforts to repeal Florida’s law. Disney’s LGBT+ employees had complained that the company failed to oppose the bill it was passed.
