DeSantis signs so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill banning gender instruction for kids

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Monday that bans the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation for kids in kindergarten through third grade.

The legislation — made official at a Tallahassee press conference — also prohibits material for older Florida students that could be deemed developmentally or age inappropriate.

“Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards,” the bill states.

DeSantis has argued that the material should not be conveyed to kids aged 4 to 8 and that parents should be able to object to certain subject matter in higher grades as well.

“This is inappropriate for kindergarteners and first graders and second graders. Parents do not want this going on in their schools,” DeSantis said Monday.