NEWS: “Don’t Say Gay” in Indiana?

BY: OWEN PHILLIPS

MARCH 13, 2023

The famous bill concerning sex education in early elementary ( K-3) originally started in Florida where critics labeled it the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. Proponents of the measure claim that the bill only aims to do what it says, but opposers say the bill is a part of something much deeper. Therefore, the question remains; is this bill an attempt to erase queer identity?

As a staunchly conservative state that is hardly ever proactive, Indiana followed suit and put up their own form of the bill. On February 23rd, the bill passed the House, and is now expected to move on to the Senate shortly. The bill, which would force teachers to out transgender students to their parents, was said to send a, ”dangerous message to vulnerable youth, especially trans youth, that they and their stories are worth less than their peers,” said Katy Blair, director of public policy at ACLU of Indiana.

Supporters of the bill claim that there are no deeper meanings or hidden agendas. This bill comes as the Republican party, nationwide, has begun a campaign to put parents in charge of their child’s education. The bill’s author, Representative Michelle Davis, claimed that the bill is simply, ”some common sense legislation to support transparency and parents’ fundamental rights, which shouldn’t get dropped at the classroom door.” Boonville’s own representative Cindy Ledbetter voted in favor of the bill.

The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, which is often where controversial laws die. Although the future of this bill is uncertain, we can expect to see many just like it in the following weeks.