March 8, 2022
Shawn Mendes Speaks Out Against Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill
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Pop star Shawn Mendes is showing his support for the LGBTQ+ community and is condemning Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Taking to Twitter, Mendes retweeted Equality Florida's message about the bill. He added: "Florida, call your senators," sharing a government link and adding the hashtag #LetFreeFloridaSayGay.
The measure, technically called the "Parental Rights in Education" bill, was passed by the Florida House last month and has just been passed by the GOP-controlled legislature, according to ABC News. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has signaled he would sign the bill into law.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Harding, states: "Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." Parents would be able to sue districts over violations, The Associated Press noted.
A number of LGBTQ+ groups and advocates have denounced the bill, and President Joe Biden called it "hateful." It has lead to hundreds of Florida students protesting against the measure. Out "Saturday Night Live" star Kate McKinnon even ripped the bill during the show's "Weekend Update" segment.
