Florida Governor Ron DeSantis met with UK Conservative Party members during his recent four-country tour, including Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, DeSantis claimed that Badenoch “committed” to following Florida’s lead in promoting an “anti-woke” agenda. Despite DeSantis not defining the term, it has been associated with a rejection of progressive social policies such as LGBTQ+ rights. Florida’s legislation includes the expanded ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, which bans discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in all school grades, and repressive book bans targeting LGBTQ+ literature. The state has also enacted some of the most radical anti-choice legislation in the US.
Badenoch’s appointment as Minister for Women and Equalities in 2022 left activists “deeply fearful for the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people in Britain”. Her past comments, including an anti-LGBTQ+ rant and questioning of same-sex marriage, have been the subject of controversy. She has also appointed an ex-GB News host and JK Rowling fan as an advisor on gender policy. Furthermore, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to releasing new guidance for schools in the coming months that would force teachers to ‘out’ trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming pupils to their parents, and ban trans children from using changing and shower facilities that align with gender identity.
DeSantis’ claims that Badenoch “committed” to following Florida’s lead in promoting an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda have raised concerns among the LGBTQ+ community in the UK. It appears that the Florida Governor is suggesting that Badenoch takes her cues from homophobic and transphobic legislative extremists across the Atlantic. The potential impact of such policies on the LGBTQ+ community in the UK is significant, as Badenoch holds two ministerial positions in the current government.
While DeSantis’ tour was part of an effort to boost his profile as a Republican presidential hopeful, his comments raise questions about the potential impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies spreading beyond US borders. The UK has been viewed as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, with the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013 and other progressive policies. However, the rise of conservative voices promoting an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda is cause for concern.
