Despite the national uproar over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education — or the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” — bill a new poll is showing that many Florida Democratic primary voters may have a different opinion of it.
A poll by Floridians for Economic Advancement found that slightly more than half of likely Democratic primary voters support the contents of the legislation.
When asked if they believe students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade should be taught about sexual orientation, 20% of respondents said “somewhat no,” while 32% said “definitely no.”
Meanwhile, 18% said “somewhat yes,” while another 18% said “definitely yes.”
As NBC News’ Marc Caputo noted, Florida Democratic lawmakers opposed the legislation and “made it a top messaging priority.”
Poll shows FL DEMOCRATIC primary voters support the GOP Legislature’s “Parental Rights”/LGBT education bill by 52-36%
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) March 24, 2022
FL Capitol Dems opposed it & made it a top messaging priority
(This is unmentioned for some reason in the story I QTd. This poll jibes w/others I’ve seen) https://t.co/6HBMz2MW4d pic.twitter.com/bfS9ulp58A
As NBC News explains, “The measure bans ‘classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity’ in Kindergarten through third grade.”
“It also prohibits such teaching ‘in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students,’ which critics say could be interpreted to extend to all grade levels. Parents can sue school districts for alleged violations,” it added.
During a debate in the state Senate, Sen. Annette Taddeo (D) said the legislation is “going to endanger the safety of our LGBTQ students and adolescents.”
“We will not stop until this state moves forward and actually values everyone in it, everyone no matter their sexual orientation,” she vowed.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki called the bill “discriminatory,” a “form of bullying,” and “horrific” during a press conference earlier this month.
However, state Sen. Danny Burgess (R) argued the bill “says parents your right to raise your children does not end when they walk into a classroom.”
“The bill simply says that there should be an age limit on certain discussions, it’s not a new concept, nor is it radical,” he added.
Critics have labeled it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill have taken steps such as chanting “gay” to protest it.
The Daily Wire notes that the bill does not ban people from saying “don’t say gay,” nor is “gay” written in the bill. The legislation has passed both chambers of the legislature, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is expected to sign it into law.
