Did Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ban teachers from saying ‘gay?’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It’s been over three years since Florida lawmakers passed the Parental Rights in Education Act — dubbed by some as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

But all this time later, it begs the question: did Gov. Ron DeSantis actually sign off on a law that banned saying “gay” in schools?

Well, not quite.

The law doesn’t even mention the word “gay” at all, though the nickname appears to have stemmed from a specific provision prohibiting certain topics from being taught in classrooms.

That provision reads as follows:

“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."

House Bill 1557 (2022)

While the provision initially applied through third grade, the rules were later expanded through high school, with exceptions for health classes.

Critics argued that the language in the law was vague enough that it would keep gay teachers from discussing anything involving their sexuality with students.

However, state officials clarified misconceptions about the law, including rumors that teachers wouldn’t be allowed to be openly gay or discuss their same-sex partner in the classroom.

Other rumors that have since been clarified include the following:

• Bullying: Bullying and harassment in schools are prohibited, regardless of sexual orientation.
• Gay-Straight Alliances: The law does not prevent students from forming these groups in schools.
• Books in schools: The law does not ban books that make incidental references to gay characters or same-sex couples.
• Dress codes: Students may dress however they please so long as it abides by their school district’s dress code.
• School dances: Same-sex couples are allowed to attend school-sponsored dances.
• Termination: School districts are not allowed to fire employees based on factors like sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Classrooms: Teachers are allowed to display rainbow stickers, banners and flags in their classroom, as well as post signs that read “safe space.”
• Classwork: Students may mention topics like sexual orientation and gender identity in their classwork, as class participation is not the same as instruction.