A controversial bill is being considered by Missouri lawmakers that would prohibit K-12 public school staff from teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill is modeled after a Florida education law passed last year, dubbed by opponents as a “Don’t Say Gay” law, and is seen as protecting “parent’s rights” by supporters. The Missouri bill would limit the exposure of children to topics considered inappropriate for their age, which could create confusion and cause doubts about their identities. Critics argue that the bill is discriminatory and targets the LGBTQ community.
The Republican sponsor of the Missouri bill, former teacher Rep. Ann Kelley, acknowledged that her bill would need to be amended so as not to limit teaching for Advanced Placement courses. However, there is concern that if the bill becomes law, educators would be banned from explaining the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage. Supporters of the bill argue that it is not the place of the school to indoctrinate children through gender and sexual identity curriculums and courses.
Opponents of the bill say it discriminates against the LGBTQ community and is an infringement of their rights. Democratic Rep. Ian Mackey, a former teacher who is openly gay, asked Kelley if his being gay in the classroom would be limited under her bill. Kelley responded by asking whether Mackey ever informed his students of his beliefs. In recent years, other states have also proposed or passed laws restricting the discussion of LGBTQ issues in schools.
While the bill was debated in a state House committee hearing, a vote was not scheduled as of Wednesday afternoon. The Missouri Senate is also considering a similar bill that would require public school teachers and staff to notify parents if their children “express discomfort or confusion.” The bill, if passed, would likely face legal challenges from civil rights groups.