Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Anger, Protests Increase As Florida Legislature Passes 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Politico: Florida Approves Controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law In Political Win For DeSantis
The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature handed Gov. Ron DeSantis a major political win ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, approving a controversial measure dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by opponents that bars educators from discussing sexual orientation with young students. Republicans pushed the legislation for months, claiming it strengthens parental rights in Florida by preventing teachers and school staffers from withholding critical information from parents, namely surrounding gender issues. DeSantis, who has defended the measure publicly, frequently accused the media and others of misconstruing the true intent of the bill to stoke tensions. At one point, his press secretary called opponents of the measure “groomers.” (Atterbury, 3/8)
Miami Herald: ‘Attack On Educators’— Teachers React To ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
Dannielle Boyer has no plans to dismantle the safe space she’s created in her classroom for students. “I’ve always been an advocate and fought for students in the [LGBTQ+] community to feel comfortable and free,” the Miami Northwestern Senior High teacher told the Herald. While holding back tears, she said, “I don’t want my students to feel as though they have to live in fear and can’t be who they are.” Her comments came hours after the Florida Senate in a 22-17 vote passed the “Parental Rights in Education’ bill, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, earlier Tuesday. (Brugal, 3/8)
CNN: Florida Students Participate In Massive Walkout To Protest The 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
More than 500 students participated in a massive walkout Monday at Winter Park High School in Orange County, Florida, in protest of the "Don't Say Gay" bill currently being considered by the state Senate, according to walkout organizer and high school student Will Larkins. The Parental Rights in Education bill, HB 1557, would effectively ban teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms for young students. LGBTQ advocates say the measure would lead to further stigmatization of gay, lesbian and transgender children, causing more bullying and suicides within an already marginalized community. (Vera and Alvarado, 3/7)
And the debate has spilled into Disney World —
Newsweek: Disney Gave At Least $250K To Senators That Voted For 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Disney donated at least $250,000 to Florida Republican senators who voted to pass the controversial "Don't Say Gay" bill on Tuesday. ... The donations included $5,500 to Senator Dennis Baxley, who introduced the bill, according to data from the nonprofit OpenSecrets, which tracks political donations. Senate President Wilton Simpson, who voted for the bill, received $21,500 in donations from Disney. Senators Manny Diaz Jr. and Debbie Mayfield also received more than $20,000 from Disney throughout their various political campaigns. The donations have prompted calls to boycott the company, as its CEO Bob Chapek has not publicly condemned the legislation. (Stanton, 3/8)
Variety: Disney CEO Backs LGBTQ Community After 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Backlash
In the wake of controversy over Disney’s quiet response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, as well as a report that the company has given money to all of the bill’s sponsors, CEO Bob Chapek expressed Disney’s “unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community” in a company-wide email obtained by Variety. “In terms of our communities, we are and will continue to be a leader in supporting organizations that champion diversity,” the memo reads. “In 2021, we provided nearly $3 million to support the work of LGBTQ+ organizations. And, we have a long history of supporting important events like Pride parades.” (Shanfeld, 3/7)
NPR: Disney Employees Want The Company To Denounce Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
Disney employees are showing their outrage over the entertainment company's decision not to denounce Florida's so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill, which would limit discussion of sexuality and gender in Florida schools. ... Ben Siemon, an actor and writer whose credits include Disney's DuckTales, posted an impassioned video plea calling for Disney to say the bill is wrong. Siemon credits one of his middle school teachers for helping him understand that it was OK to be gay. Had there been a bill like the one being considered in Florida, Siemon says, "That would've never happened to me. I would've been left alone and scared. And LGBT kids are going to be left alone and scared and hurt by this bill." (Blair, 3/8)
