Actor Mark Hamill is speaking out against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The controversial bill passed the Florida Senate on Tuesday and bans the discussion of LGBTQ issues in Florida classrooms.
What Is The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill?
With the passing of HB 7 & 1557 otherwise known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bills, we are one step closer to needing to choose between doing what is right & what is the law.
I will go to jail to protect my students. #dontsaygay #stophate #protectstudents #publicschoolproud #WeAreAllIn pic.twitter.com/JcNtk9iGC1— Eric Jourgensen, Ed.D. 🇺🇦🏳️🌈 (@DrDarthGrader) February 25, 2022
The Parental Rights in Educational bill has been called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by activists who oppose the bill’s intent: to ban the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms.
According to the bill, these lessons, “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.”
If a teacher does engage in these discussions, parents would be allowed to sue both the school district and teachers that engage in these topics.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for the bill, although he has not explicitly stated that he will sign it. If he does, the bill will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
Many local, state, and international advocacy groups are condemning the bill, which they call “bigoted legislation.”
LGBTQ Advocacy Group Challenges ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve. https://t.co/OcAIMeVpHL
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 8, 2022
The local LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida expressed a statement that read, “Let us be clear: should its vague language be interpreted in any way that causes harm to a single child, teacher, or family, we will lead legal action against the State of Florida to challenge this bigoted legislation.”
They also insist that the erasure of the LGBTQ presence could cause mental health harm to students who may now feel the need to suppress their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth, added, “Every LGBTQ young person deserves to attend a school that provides an inclusive, affirmative environment – not one that aims to erase their existence.”
She continued, “We know that LGBTQ youth already face a higher risk for bullying, depression, and suicide – and this bill will only add to the stigma that fuels these disparities.”
Democratic state Senator Tina Polsky also opposed the bill during Monday’s debate, saying, “Instead of coming up with these vague bills, why are we not supporting the most inclusive, tolerant education and society that we can?”
President Joe Biden also denounced the bill, tweeting, “I want every member of the LGBTQI+ community — especially the kids who will be impacted by this hateful bill — to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are. I have your back, and my Administration will continue to fight for the protection and safety you deserve.”
Mark Hamill Repeats The Word Gay In Opposition Of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
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🌈 https://t.co/8IroJDi5bN— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 8, 2022
“Star Wars” alum Mark Hamill has never been shy about making his opinion known, and he strongly opposed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by saying the word dozens of times, and followed up his post with a rainbow emoji for good measure.
“I live in Florida and this state is divided into the blue caring and the red uncaring,” one user wrote. “Our leaders are the minority, yet they still control our state.”
“Lol, love how so many people are all ‘read the bill, Mark!’ Like they’ve read it and fully comprehend it,” another user commented. “3rd grade is roughly 9 years old. If one kid in class has two Moms, and other kids are *gasp* curious, do teachers go “can’t discuss, you’re too young to understand love!?”
“I have a student with two dads,” another user shared. “Her mother passed away, and her gay uncle adopted her. She’s 4 years old and deserves to openly speak about her parents. Florida needs to realize gay couples have young children. They deserve to see the representation of their families too.”
