Let me take on some of the arguments folks are making in favor of Florida's #DontSayGay bill.
Here's why child health & policy experts across the US are worried. 🧵 1/
Here's why child health & policy experts across the US are worried. 🧵 1/
"You haven't read the bill."
Getting this common rebuke out of the way. Yes, I have, many times, and you can too. Here's where: 2/ myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills…
Getting this common rebuke out of the way. Yes, I have, many times, and you can too. Here's where: 2/ myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills…
"The bill is to protect kids from being taught sex ed in K thru 3."
Many things to tackle here. First, I'm not advocating for sex ed for 5-year-olds. What I am asking for is that teachers can talk about diversity of families like mine that might have 2 dads, for example. 3/
Many things to tackle here. First, I'm not advocating for sex ed for 5-year-olds. What I am asking for is that teachers can talk about diversity of families like mine that might have 2 dads, for example. 3/
My kids go to a school where they can openly speak about their 2 dads, where other kids can talk about their 2 moms. This bill limits teachers' ability to help support conversations like this in the classroom. 4/
"But the bill doesn't restrict kids from talking about their parents."
The bill is written purposely vaguely enough to create a chilling effect for teachers. Imagine being a teacher in FL. Worried about breaking the law, you'll not know what you can/cannot talk about. 5/
The bill is written purposely vaguely enough to create a chilling effect for teachers. Imagine being a teacher in FL. Worried about breaking the law, you'll not know what you can/cannot talk about. 5/
So teachers will say nothing at all. I also note that no law currently outlaws anti-LGBTQ statements in the classroom. So, intolerance can thrive unopposed while supportive statements about LGBTQ families are restricted. 6/
"The bill doesn't target LGBTQ kids."
As an LGBTQ person, I promise you that young kids internalize society's messages early. They will quickly perceive that not talking about LGBTQ people means that being an LGBTQ person is wrong, bad, something to be ashamed of. 7/
As an LGBTQ person, I promise you that young kids internalize society's messages early. They will quickly perceive that not talking about LGBTQ people means that being an LGBTQ person is wrong, bad, something to be ashamed of. 7/
"The bill doesn't say you can't say gay."
Well, it says you can't talk about sexual orientation. I'm not sure how else to interpret that. 8/
Well, it says you can't talk about sexual orientation. I'm not sure how else to interpret that. 8/
"You don't live in Florida. Why care?"
TX and FL are serving as laboratories for harmful state policies that are spreading to other states, and threatening the health and well-being of kids & families nationwide. Plus, I'm a pediatrician & public health expert. It's my job. 9/
TX and FL are serving as laboratories for harmful state policies that are spreading to other states, and threatening the health and well-being of kids & families nationwide. Plus, I'm a pediatrician & public health expert. It's my job. 9/
I'll probably add to this thread, but for now, need to step away to go take care of my kids like a loving parent who just happens to be married to another man who he loves. 10/10
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