Many in the LGBTQ+ Community are under the very wrong impression that these laws only affect the trans community. But in truth “sexual orientation” pertains to us all.
On May 5th, 2023, the Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb, signed into law a controversial bill dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This bill prohibits public school teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with their students, except when such discussions are directly related to the curriculum. The bill has drawn fierce criticism from LGBTQ+ activists, who say it will further marginalize LGBTQ+ students and deprive them of critical support and resources.
The bill, which was introduced by Republican lawmakers, passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year. Its supporters argue that it is necessary to protect children from exposure to controversial topics that are best discussed by parents or guardians. They also claim that discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity are not age-appropriate for young students.
However, opponents of the bill say that it sends a harmful message to LGBTQ+ students, who may already feel isolated and unsupported in school. Many argue that discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity are crucial to promoting acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals, and that banning such discussions will only exacerbate existing prejudices and discrimination.
The “Don’t Say Gay” bill has been compared to similar legislation in other states, such as Tennessee’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was signed into law in 2011. That law prohibited public school teachers from discussing homosexuality in any context, including when responding to questions from students. It was eventually repealed in 2019, after years of protests and legal challenges.
Governor Holcomb, however, has defended his decision to sign the bill, saying that it is consistent with his conservative values and his belief in parental rights. In a statement released after signing the bill, Holcomb said, “This legislation is about protecting the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children. It is not about discriminating against any individual or group.”
While supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect children from exposure to controversial topics, opponents say that discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity are crucial to promoting acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals.
This is not just a “trans” problem.
Hoosiers love this stuff. I lived through Indiana culture for 35 years. I got sent to school psychologosts in the first grade for suspected “deviantcy”. It was just brutal on my family especially my father. I left in 1991 and have never gone back.
You sir are a homophobic piece of work , how dare you put this Desantis garbage in our state, go where the sun doesn’t shine you worthless excuse for a Governor . Can’t wait for your term to end so the LGBTQ community can live and love in peace. You and your religion can go kick rocks, This is not what Jesus would do, How in the hell do you sleep at night knowing you are putting these peoples lives in danger? Shame on you!!!!!
You don’t know Jesus at all, Mindy! Jesus loves the sinner, but hates the sin. Get caught up in your Bible reading, and you’ll learn the truth about the future for the LGBTQ community. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived .
That’s all Indiana does is brings up God or Jesus. Indiana is close minded and was once the largest population of the Klan.
And let Jesus do his job not you ..tho shall not judge as you to be judged upon ! So many false prophets running around spreading hate !
Mary Ann I don’t know what bible your reading but no where does Jesus hate the sinner he was surrounded by nothing but sinners at the last supper obviously you know nothing about Jesus they aren’t hurting anyone so stop pushing your racist beliefs on people and never has sexuality been taught to children younger than a fifth or six grader
Indiana is one of the worst states, ranks poor in education, employment and intellect. Most young people realize this and leave the state and move elsewhere. Indiana is a very close minded state and you realize it when you get out of the state.
Thank you, Governor Holcomb, for this great bill! I totally agree that this legislation is about the parents’ rights to direct their children’s education and not discriminating against any particular group.
Sherry Jones maybe all you religious freaks should put yourselves on a boat and let the biggest whales in the ocean sink it you racist piece of work Jesus is love nor did he spew hateful things y’all are guilty of a big sin which is to pass judgment get a life and stay otta folks business
Mary Ann you do realize this bill does discriminate against a particular group of individuals
What would you expect from a bigoted, racist, homophobic, collective such as those “working in the statehouse” of Indianapolis IN? Simply, par for the course!
Awesome! Why we need to bring this discussion up in school when we have actual curriculum to go over is beyond me. China has a school system that is ahead of us by leaps and bounds and here we are worrying about not hurting people’s feelings. All the LGB’s care about is trying to make school less awkward for gay kids. There is FAR more at stake here
The hell with it all just us white peaple should b on this earth fuck queers and fags wat backs blacks get rid of them all
I can’t wait for all of you racists to be a minority and I wish I had the opportunity to meet you because I know you would not open your mouth cause I would insert my fist Troll
Here is my opinion – Don’t say anything sexual up to and maybe 4th grade – really – HOWEVER – High school is a different story – that is prejudice PERIOD. That’s when I decided Gov DeS was out of my vote – btw i am gay and do think this who trans business is destructive to gay rights.