A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which restricts teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. The law has faced criticism from LGBTQ advocates, and a report released by the Human Rights Campaign found that hateful references to the community surged online after the law’s passing last spring.
The lawsuit, which was filed by students, parents, and teachers, argued that the law is unconstitutional. However, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor ruled that the plaintiffs had failed to show legal standing to challenge the law. Winsor said that most of the plaintiffs’ claims of harm come from the existence of the law, rather than its enforcement.
This is the second time that Winsor has dismissed the case, as a previous version was also dismissed in September. A similar lawsuit filed in Orlando was dismissed in October. The law was championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and passed by Florida’s Republican-dominated legislature.
Critics argue that the law stifles important discussions about LGBTQ issues in schools and reinforces harmful stereotypes and discrimination. However, supporters of the law argue that it protects parental rights and upholds traditional values. The future of the “Don’t Say Gay” law remains uncertain as legal challenges continue.
