Florida Proposes Expansion of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Legislation to Include Workplace Settings

[Polds4OSU]

Yeah...pretty sure this is NOT small Govt and NOT Free Enterprise Friendly.



Recently, the Don’t Say Gay Law was proposed to be expanded by Florida State Republican Ryan Chamberlain aimed at prohibiting workplaces from using preferred pronouns of colleagues
The bill’s core objectives included banning the use of preferred pronouns and protecting employees from repercussions linked to actions stemming from religious or biology-based beliefs
It took a firm stance on defining a person’s sex as an “immutable biological trait,” sparking heated debates over the fundamental right to self-identify and be addressed according to one’s gender identity.
Beyond workplace regulations, the bill cast a wide net, extending its reach to LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

Organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community faced potential loss of state funds if their employees underwent sensitivity training on sexual orientation and gender identity. This raised concerns among advocates and organizations like Equality Florida, which decried the bill as an “alarming escalation” of right-wing extremism, citing its broad implications on Trans government employees’ rights.
Originally aimed at limiting discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary schools, the bill’s subsequent expansion provoked further backlash.
Critics highlighted its vague language, warning that it could even affect artistic performances such as pantomimes and Shakespearean plays, raising questions about its potential impact on free speech and expression.
Alejandra Caraballo, a Harvard law instructor and activist, denounced the bill as “horrifying” due to its far-reaching consequences.
Caraballo pointed out that the legislation could silence LGBTQ+ community clinics, violating the First Amendment and perpetuating discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Furthermore, concerns mounted over the bill’s ambiguity, reminiscent of previous legislation that aimed to restrict discussions on LGBTQ+ topics.

Critics argued that the bill’s vague terms, coupled with severe penalties, aimed to stifle open discourse and eradicate LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces.
Although Governor DeSantis had not publicly shared his stance on the bill, his history of anti-LGBTQ+ policies signaled a potential inclination to support it if passed.

 

[JTOSU]

I am confident the bill doesn’t say “Don’t say Gay”.
And a simple reading of the bill shows it does not apply to private businesses.

The bill prohibits retribution and/or penalties in government agencies for personnel not utilizing a preferred pronoun and stops funding of gender identity training.

 

[PF5]

GOP equals small government

 

[Polds4OSU]

I am confident the bill doesn’t say “Don’t say Gay”.
And a simple reading of the bill shows it does not apply to private businesses.

The bill prohibits retribution and/or penalties in government agencies for personnel not utilizing a preferred pronoun and stops funding of gender identity training.

correct the actual name of the original bill is "Parental Rights In Education Act"....Now they want to expand it to cover ALL Non Profits who receive any state funding and any Employers who get any state funding.



Filed by state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Marion, the bill (HB 599) would prevent nonprofit groups or any employers who receive state funding from requiring training on “sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.” If enacted, it would be a major expansion from the initial focus on schools in the Parental Rights in Education Act, called the “don’t say gay” law by its critics.

“The original justification no longer applies,” said Gregory Koger, a professor of political science at the University of Miami. “This isn’t about schools. This isn’t about children. This is about how every Florida person is supposed to speak to every other Florida person in the so-called free state of Florida.”

The bill, which doesn’t yet have a Senate companion, also would prevent businesses from disciplining employees for refusing to use other people’s preferred pronouns,

MSN

 

[Stillwater Townie]

So, Republicans want me to refer to a male who has transitioned to a woman and is wearing a dress as he/him? No, I don't want to look like an idiot doing that, especially if the person expects to be referred to as she/her.

 

[Stargazer]

The GOP: WE don't want government interfering in our lives... unless we disagree with how a person lives their life!