Lawmakers in Missouri are considering a bill that would ban public school staff from teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation. The proposal is modeled after a similar law passed in Florida last year, which some call a “Don’t Say Gay” law. Supporters of the bill in Missouri argue that it is a necessary step to protect parents’ rights, while opponents argue that it would limit access to information and create confusion for students.
The Missouri bill would prohibit the teaching of LGBTQ subjects in all grades, whereas the Florida law only prohibits such teaching in kindergarten through third grade. However, any lessons on those topics for students of any grade are banned if they are not age-appropriate. Republican sponsor of the Missouri bill, Rep. Ann Kelley, argues that exposing children to such topics is inappropriate and may cause confusion, which could lead to doubt in their identities.
Critics of the bill, including Democratic Rep. Ian Mackey, a former teacher who is openly gay, argue that it would limit the ability of educators to provide accurate and comprehensive information to students. Mackey asked Kelley if he, as a gay teacher, would be limited in the classroom under the bill. Kelley responded by asking Mackey if he ever informed his students on his beliefs. Some Florida schools have already moved library books and debated changing textbooks in response to the new law.
The White House, Disney, and LGBTQ advocates criticized the passage of the Florida bill last year. Meanwhile, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill was a victory for parents and would prevent “indoctrination.” The Missouri bill will need to be amended so as not to limit teaching for Advanced Placement courses. A committee vote on the bill has not yet been scheduled as of Wednesday afternoon. The Missouri Senate is also considering a similar bill that would require public school teachers and staff to tell parents if their children “express discomfort or confusion.”