Missouri is currently considering a Republican-proposed bill that would ban discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, and the effects of this bill could be far-reaching. The Missouri Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee held a hearing to discuss the bill on Tuesday, and it is causing concern among educators and LGBTQ+ advocates.
The bill would prohibit any public or charter school staff member from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation, unless they are a mental health professional and have obtained parental consent. This bill is more restrictive than Florida’s “don’t say gay” law, which only prohibits discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten through third grade. In Missouri, there is no specific age range specified, and critics argue that the bill would prohibit LGBTQ+ teachers from discussing their spouses and even from teaching books that include LGBTQ+ characters or topics.
Republican state Senator Mike Moon, who supports the bill, has said that conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation would be prohibited. This statement has caused alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates and educators, who argue that the broad language of the bill would have a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ students. They argue that this bill would prevent teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ topics in health classes, and could even prevent them from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity.
Critics of the bill argue that it would create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students, who already face bullying and discrimination in schools. They argue that this bill would further marginalize this vulnerable group and could prevent them from receiving important information about their health and well-being.
In conclusion, the proposed Missouri bill is causing concern among educators and LGBTQ+ advocates, who believe that it would have a negative impact on LGBTQ+ students. The broad language of the bill, which would prohibit discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation, could prevent teachers from teaching important topics and prevent LGBTQ+ students from receiving important information. It is important that this bill be carefully considered, so that LGBTQ+ students can feel safe and supported in Missouri’s schools.
