The Miami school board rejected a proclamation to recognize October as "LGBTQ history month," reflecting the influence of Florida's parental rights laws on public education. The decision, influenced by conservative leaders aligned with Governor Ron DeSantis, comes after the board had previously acknowledged LGBTQ history month in 2021. The "Don't Say Gay" policy prohibits teachers from instructing on gender identity and sexual orientation, and it has been expanded to restrict pronoun usage in schools. Supporters of the recognition argued it was a ceremonial way to support LGBTQ students and families, while opponents claimed it violated parental rights and could lead to the sexualization of children.
Comedian and former senator Al Franken has suggested a loophole in Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, which prohibits discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation until fourth grade. Franken said the law doesn't say you can't sing about being gay, and demonstrated with a song and dance routine. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is looking to expand the mandate to all grades through the end of high school, with exceptions only for health class, which parents can opt their kids out of taking. Educators who violate the law could lose their teaching license.
Former Florida lawmaker Joseph Harding, who sponsored the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law, has pleaded guilty to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud. Harding made false statements to the Small Business Administration while applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for one of his dormant business entities. After obtaining the funds, he conducted three monetary transactions involving more than $10,000 in fraudulently obtained funds. Harding faces up to 35 years in prison and resigned from the Florida House in December after his indictment.
Former Florida lawmaker Joseph Harding, who sponsored the controversial "Don't Say Gay" law, has pleaded guilty to committing $150,000 in COVID-19 relief fraud. Harding made false statements to the Small Business Administration while applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan for one of his dormant business entities. He faces up to 35 years in prison and resigned from the Florida House in December after his indictment was announced.
