Amendment Could Change Bill From “Don’t Say Gay” To “Don’t Say Sex”

Tallahassee, FL – An amendment to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill could actually make the proposal more of a “Don’t Say Sex” bill. This is after Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) filed an amendment on Friday (Feb. 25) that would change the ban on classroom instruction in K-3 grades about “sexual orientation or gender identity” with a ban on “human sexuality or sexual activity.”  Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) has been an outspoken opponent to the overall bill, but he has recently spoken out in support of Brandes’ amendment. Smith—the states first openly gay Latino legislator—believes Brandes’ amendment will de-escalate opposition to the bill by removing the language that essentially targeted the LGBTQ+ community. The bill, with the amendment in tow, is now headed to the floor of the state Senate for discussion on Monday (Feb. 28). Just last week, the proposal passed 69-47, sparking protests in Tallahassee and around the state. In Flagler County, Jack Petocz, an openly-gay student at Flagler Palm Coast High School, took to Twitter to propose a statewide school walkout to protest the bill. Today, the Florida House passed the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Students are angry, frustrated and ready to fight this sickening piece of legislation. I'm organizing a statewide school walkout on March 3rd at 12:00 PM in opposition. I encourage student leaders to join me. #DSGWalkout pic.twitter.com/itcCmLVj6o— Jack Petocz (@Jack_Petocz) February 24, 2022 Last year, Petocz became an activist when Flagler County Schools removed certain books from library shelves, including “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” the memoirs of George M. Johnson, a journalist and LGBTQ+ activist. Another point of contention for the bill was a failed amendment introduced by Rep. Joe Harding (R-Williston), who also introduced the proposed legislation. Under Harding’s amendment, the bill would have also required schools to inform parents about their child’s sexual orientation if it was disclosed to school personnel.  The amendment drew criticism from Smith and Rep. Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa), who said she didn’t know what the state hoped to accomplish with the bill. The amendment was ultimately withdrawn.