Florida expands ban on teaching gender identity and sexual orientation in schools

The Florida Board of Education has approved a ban on classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis as he gears up for an expected presidential run. The proposal will take effect after a procedural notice period that lasts about a month, according to an education department spokesman. The prohibition, which began last year with the law banning sexual orientation and gender identity lessons in kindergarten through third grade, has drawn intense backlash from critics who argue it marginalizes LGBTQ+ people and has vague terms that result in self-censorship from teachers.