Naples Pride protesting bills they say could endanger LGBTQ students

LGBTQ+ activists are calling out legislation they say is anti-gay. Naples Pride protested dual Florida bills at Cambier Park in Naples on Wednesday.

The bills would ban talk of gender identity and sexual orientation in primary grades or in other specified ways.

LGBTQ+ advocates are calling it the ‘Don’t say gay’ bill. Naples Pride gathered to speak out against the pending legislation they say could be responsible for the death of kids.

“Imagine if they had nobody to talk to,” said Naples Pride President Cori Craciun.

The bills in the Florida legislature are proposing to limit teachers and school discussions when it comes to talking about sexual orientation and gender identity.

“This is bill is very dangerous, and he literally is going to kill kids,” said Craciun.

LGBTQ advocates call it the ‘Don’t say gay’ bill, but the legislation is loaded with other words and topics that wouldn’t be allowed in the classroom.

Craciun said, “it’s not just like you can say gay it’s. It’s everything else that comes with it.”

Many who oppose the bills say they send the wrong message to LGBTQ students developing their sense of self.

Jenna Everts, a parent and LGBTQ advocate, said, “it doesn’t provide a safe place, and that’s what school should provide.”

Those concerns brought out emotions as these parents think of their children’s future.

“I know people that could affect,” said Everts

WINK News reached out to bill sponsors Senator Dennis Baxley and Representative Joe Harding.

Senator Baxley responded saying in part, “Parents should decide what is age-appropriate for their children.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Harding’s bill, which says, “Reinforces the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding upbringing of their children.

The bill is moving forward in the Florida House and is now in a judiciary committee.