Gay Republicans Slam 'Misguided' Attacks on Florida Law, Trans Bills

(From April 28, 2022) While many LGBTQ activists and Democrats attack Florida's Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill, and a spate of GOP-backed legislation regarding the transgender community in states across the country, prominent gay Republicans reject the backlash as "misguided."

At the end of March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed the controversial GOP-backed education bill into law. The bill bars teachers and school personnel from providing instruction "on sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten through third grade. Critics raised alarms, contending that the legislation could prevent teachers from even recognizing or discussing the existence of LGBTQ individuals, and that it would undermine schools' abilities to support LGBTQ students.

Meanwhile, Republican-controlled legislatures in states across the country have introduced a range of bills addressing transgender issues. Many of these bills bar young transgender athletes from competing in school sporting competitions as the gender they identify with. Others go further, barring gender-affirming health care and treatment for transgender minors. (READ MORE at Newsweek)