The entire Florida House of Representatives will hear House Bill 7 (Stop WOKE Act) and House Bill 1557 (Don't Say Gay Bill) TOMORROW (February 22) with a final vote likely the next day (February 23).
It is our belief that these two bills would censor speech in classrooms across the state, effectively erasing large swaths of American history and society in an effort to protect students from feeling “discomfort”.
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HB 7, dubbed by the Governor as the Stop WOKE Act, would censor conversations about racism, discrimination, and injustice, allowing people to sue for discrimination if they are made to feel “guilty” or “discomfort” because of a training or school lesson. This extends to private businesses as well, giving employees the right to sue their employers for discrimination if trainings that cover implicit bias, racial equity, and even sexual harassment cause them discomfort.
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HB 1557, dubbed the Don’t Say Gay bill, bans discussion of LGBTQ+ people or issues in primary grades, would further stigmatize the LGBTQ+ community, chill efforts to create inclusive school environments, and isolate LGBTQ+ kids who are already at staggeringly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Prior to the bills hearing a proposed amendment has been filed to make the bill even worse, requiring schools to inform a parent of their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
We're urging every Florida League member to contact their member of the Florida House IMMEDIATELY and encourage them to vote "NO" on these bad bills!
