The Truth About Controversial Legislation and Why It Matters

Florida legislators passed a bill that was alternately called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by opponents and the "Parental Rights In Education" bill by supporters. The bill essentially bans conversations about gender identity or sexual preference in primary school classrooms for younger children. Those opposed to it describe it as another way to reduce the rights of LGBTQ individuals and as a stepping stone to wider discrimination. Supporters say it is reasonable to protect children in primary school from topics they feel they are too young to learn about. As with much of legislation, the battle is really about the precedent that is being set here.

Is it acceptable to set some topics off limits in schools and to forbid discussions in educational settings? Or should schools be exactly the place where these types of conversations do happen? For those really engaged in this debate, the real concern is which path we will take. Are we building a world where topics like sexuality and gender orientation can be discussed with respect, or one where we are afraid to even have a conversation about it?