By Gabriella Borter

(Reuters) – The Florida House of Representatives approved Thursday a Republican-backed measure that would ban classroom discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation. This was a measure Democrats condemned as anti-LGBTQ.

As the national debate has turned increasingly partisan over how schools should educate children about race or gender, the legislation has been referred by its opponents to the “don’t say gay” bill.

Florida legislation states, “Classroom instruction by school personnel and/or third parties regarding sexual orientation/gender identity must not be given in kindergarten through grade 3, or in any other manner than is appropriate for the students’ development or age in accordance to state standards.”

Although the language is limited to young children attending primary schools, critics suggested that it could be used to cover all grades depending on whether they are considered “age-appropriate.” This bill allows parents to sue school districts for violations.

It passed by a vote of 69 votes to 47 on Thursday with majority Republican support.

State Democratic Representative Mike Grieco, a Democratic representative from the state, criticized the bill ahead of the vote as an attack against lesbians, gay, bisexuals, transgender, and other queer persons.

This is an anti-gay law. You cannot ever be considered an all-alliance of the LGBTQ community if this bill is passed. “In fact, you are voting against the bill,” he said to his fellow lawmakers.

Republican state representative Tom Fabricio supported the measure and said it was important to restrict what information schools can give young students.

“Little children don’t possess a fully developed frontal cortex. Fabricio explained that little children don’t understand the world at certain levels.

State Senate also considers a companion bill. The legislation must be passed by both chambers before it can become law. It will take effect July 1, if the Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis signs it.

Republican DeSantis seemed to show support at an earlier public event this month for bills called “Parental Right in Education”.

He stated to reporters that he did not approve of the idea of indoctrinating gender concepts into schools.

The Governor’s Office did not respond immediately to our request for comment.