- DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Act into law on Monday.
- Critics call it the "Don't Say Gay" bill because it limits teaching on sexual orientation.
- The law specifically applies in classrooms from
A controversial bill that would limit teachers' instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity is now law in Florida.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation on Monday, soon after the GOP-dominated legislature sent the bill to his desk. It's been called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by LGBTQ+ activists and Democrats, and President Joe Biden called it "hateful."
The legislation is officially called the Parental Rights in Education bill, and would apply only to teachers of kindergarten through 3rd grade.
"In Florida, we not only know that parents have a right to be involved, we insist that parents have a right to be involved," DeSantis, who is up for re-election this year said at a press conference and signing ceremony in Spring Hill, Florida on Monday.
But critics worry that LGBTQ+ students or children of families from same-sex households will be silenced in the classroom. The bill also allows parents to sue school districts who don't comply.
The legislation has gained nationwide backlash and even became a punchline during Sunday's Oscars.
"We're going to have a great night tonight," said Wanda Sykes, one of the hosts, during the show's opening monologue. "And for you people in Florida, we're going to have a gay night."
DeSantis punched back at the remarks during his press conference.
"If the same Hollywood elites who upheld degenerates like Harvey Weinstein now oppose our efforts to protect parental rights, I wear that like a badge of honor," he said.
This story is breaking news and will be updated.
