Maria Caspani

(Reuters] -Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Monday signed into law a Republican-backed measure that would have prohibited classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in schools for young people.

It is sometimes referred to as “don’t be gay” by its critics. This has caused national debate amid a partisan debate about what school should teach students about race and gender.

DeSantis stated that the bill would continue to be recognized in Florida as recognizing the fundamental role of parents in education, health, and well-being of children. “I stand here, regardless of what the big corporations may say. “I’m not going to back down.”

Florida students protested this measure. President Joe Biden called the idea “hateful”, and Walt, some corporate leaders included. Disney (NYSE.) Bob Chapek is the Chief Executive Officer of Co. They expressed their concern at the bill’s passing.

DeSantis is running for re-election in this year’s election and is often considered to be a 2020 presidential candidate. He has joined the ranks of other Republicans calling on parents to exercise more control over what their children are learning in school.

The Florida law, officially known as the “Parental rights in Education” bill prohibits classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. It applies to children from kindergarten through third grade.

This law prohibits teachers from teaching in a way that is not appropriate for their age or developmental needs. The law allows parents to sue school districts that they suspect are in violation.

As well as Democratic politicians, LGBTQ activists and civil rights advocates have stated that these policies are harmful to the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender communities.

Its vague and complicated language has drawn criticism. It says, for example that discussion on gender identity or sexual orientation “in specified grade levels” is forbidden.