NBJC Responds to Civil Rights Victory Reversing Some of the Harmful Measures of FL ‘Don’t Say Gay/Trans’ Law
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
FLORIDA – After news that a settlement was reached between Florida education officials and civil rights attorneys who had challenged a state law that critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” allowing students and teachers to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, provided it’s not part of classroom instruction, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“The settlement reached with Florida education officials, securing a significant victory against the draconian ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, represents a necessary but incomplete step toward justice for LGBTQ+ youth and educators. While this achievement is noteworthy, it is crucial to recognize that this win comes with significant limitations and caveats.
“Despite this progress, the stark truth remains that the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law still stands, casting a shadow of censorship over educational environments across the state as it continues to prohibit teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity – a prohibition that does not exist for any other federally protected class or demographic community.
“While the settlement mandates that the Florida Board of Education affirmatively state that the law does not prohibit incidental discussion of LGBTQ+ people, topics, or books, and does not prevent the implementation of anti-bullying and nondiscrimination measures or the formation of Gay-Straight Alliance groups, it falls short of addressing the fundamental injustice inherent in the law itself. Students and teachers can discuss their identities and family structures but cannot instruct students on the meaning and implications of the terms used in the discussion. Florida lawmakers should extend their legislative session and repeal the remaining anti-LGBTQ+ portions of the law.
“Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that the Florida law has served as a model for similar oppressive measures in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and North Carolina, perpetuating a dangerous trend of discrimination and marginalization against LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.
“This partial victory underscores the urgent need to redouble our efforts to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. While we may have secured some relief for LGBTQ+ individuals in Florida, the struggle against systemic oppression and discrimination is far from over. Conservative attacks on our community persist, fueled by bigotry and political expediency, and discriminatory laws continue to strip away our rights and dignity.
“We must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the humanity and dignity of all our LGBTQ+ siblings, both in Florida and across the country. Our fight for justice and equality demands nothing less than full recognition and affirmation of the rights and experiences of our people in all facets of society. Until that day comes, our work is far from finished.”
The National Black Justice Coalition applauds Equality Florida, Family Equality, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights for their steadfast advocacy and brilliant litigation strategy for LGBTQ+ kids and families.
