FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2022

TALLAHASSEE, FL – On a 22-17 vote, the Florida Senate joined the Florida House in passing HB 1557, the dangerous “Don’t Say Gay” bill that blocks teachers from talking about LGBTQ issues or people and undermines existing protections for LGBTQ kids in schools.

Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement on the bill’s Senate passage:

“The Florida Senate joined the Florida House in passing the hateful Don’t Say Gay bill aimed at erasing LGBTQ+ children, educators, and families from schools. It is abundantly clear from the debate that proponents of the bill — even the bill’s sponsor — were unclear on the specifics of the legislation. But while they were unconcerned about the impact on students, they were united in their goal of enacting this unnecessary and harmful bill. The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, our partner organizations, and our allies remain firm in continuing to fight for our LGBTQ+ youth. We urge Governor DeSantis to end the virtue signaling of his reelection campaign and veto this bill.”

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