The above photo shows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, holding the ‘Parental Rights in Education’ law, to which he has affixed his signature.
The law is complicated, but it’s been assigned a simple but derogatory label, by supporters of certain human rights, as the “Don’t Say [A Word That Once Meant Happy]” law.
I am not going to say the actual word, because at the rate things are going, I might be arrested at some point in the not-too-distant future, for using this particular word in the vicinity of children. Especially in Florida.
(Assuming that a child might gain access to the Daily Post, when their parents aren’t paying attention?)
The word, which will not appear in this column, also does not appear in the ‘Parental Rights in Education’ law. In the Florida law HB 1557 — which Governor DeSantis signed last month — the prohibition is stated this way:
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.
But that’s only one prohibition, among about 23 new requirements and prohibitions included in the law. None of the other prohibitions and requirements contain words that I refuse to use in this column. (You can download the law here.)
For instance, the “Don’t Say [A Certain Word]” law specifically authorizes parents to sue a school district if the parents (of whatever gender identity or sexual orientation) feel the law has been violated, and the school district can then be liable for attorney fees. Ouch. But maybe the school district can, in turn, sue the teacher or third party who mentioned the unmentionable?
Apparently, the words “sexual” and “gender” are acceptable when used within the text of a new law. But not in kindergarten through grade 3. Which presumably means that 3rd graders are now prohibited from discussing HB 1557 in the classroom. (Although that’s not specifically forbidden in the law itself.)
Many people have expressed concerns about this law, including President Joe Biden, a person of the male gender who — on information and belief — is married to a person of the female gender. As is his constitutional right.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who may himself have a gender identity, recently gave a speech, wherein he publicly used the word [That Once Meant Happy]. He also said, “I am the mayor of New York City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want.” You would think NYC already has enough people, but maybe not enough [Word That Once Meant Happy] people.
The Disney Company, which operates a modest theme park in Orlando, Florida, has vowed to help get HB 1557 repealed, and has promised to donate $5 million to human rights organizations — and to cease political donations within the state of Florida. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.
What I find most fascinating, though, is the photograph of Florida’s governor, beaming, as he shows off the signed copy of HB 1557.
Because, as we all know, ‘what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.’ (An expression now frowned upon, however, in Florida.)
In the picture, a handsome young man (who may or may not have a sexual orientation) is giving us a ‘thumbs up’ signal, while holding a sign that says “PROTECT CHILDREN”. (Two words still allowed, so far, in kindergarten through 3rd grade.)
Standing in front of the “PROTECT CHILDREN” sign is a little boy who looks to be, maybe, a 2nd grader. He is applauding, as is one of the little girls standing to Governor DeSantis’ left. If I had to describe the looks on the children’s faces, I would use the word “bewildered.”
Did these children understand what was happening? Did they understand that their school teacher would henceforth be forbidden from using the word [That Once Meant Happy]?
Did they understand that Governor DeSantis and all his enthusiastic supporters — in fact, everyone in Florida — will henceforth be forbidden from discussing, in Florida classrooms, their own feelings about marriage…
… ‘Marriage’… one of the most important aspects of human existence…
… at risk of getting sued?