President Joe Biden has spoken out against Florida’s recent legislation that restricts LGBTQ rights. In an appearance on “The Daily Show,” Biden called these laws “cruel” and “close to sinful.” Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s Republican-dominated legislature have banned classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in primary schools. They are also considering bills that would prevent medical care for transgender youth, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery. The state is currently considering several other bills to further limit LGBTQ rights.
Biden emphasized the importance of passing legislation like the Equality Act, which would expand federal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and education. While the House has passed this bill twice, it has not yet been voted on by the Senate during Biden’s tenure.
DeSantis, who is a likely 2024 GOP presidential candidate, defended his efforts to restrict gender-affirming care, calling it “the mutilation of minors” on Twitter. Biden responded by saying that those who break the law in this regard will be held accountable.
During his interview with actor Kal Penn, who was a staffer in the Obama-Biden administration, Biden shared the genesis of his support for same-sex marriage. He recalled a moment when he was a senior in high school and saw two men kiss each other. His father’s response was simple: “Joey, it’s simple. They love each other.”
Biden’s denouncement of Florida’s anti-LGBTQ laws underscores the ongoing struggle for equal rights and protections for the LGBTQ community. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether or not further progress will be made towards achieving these goals.