The Associated Press reports:
Indiana’s governor on Thursday signed a bill that will require schools to notify a parent if a student requests a name or pronoun change at school, one of the final bills approved in a legislative session that had targeted LGBTQ+ people in the state, especially students. Critics worry the law could out transgender children to their families and erode trust between students and teachers.
It also prohibits, from prekindergarten through third grade, instruction on “human sexuality,” something that is not defined in the bill. Holcomb said in a statement Thursday,“I also just believe its commonsense that sex education should not be taught in prekindergarten through third grade.” GOP bill author Rep. Michelle Davis said the law will “ensure Hoosier parents are in the driver’s seat when it comes to introducing sensitive topics to their kids.”
Read the full article.
The bill’s author, Rep. Michelle Davis [photo], has appeared on the Family Research Council’s daily podcast. Republicans hold supermajorities in both Indiana chambers.
Indiana’s governor signed a bill that will require schools to notify a parent if a student requests a name or pronoun change at school, one of the final bills approved in a legislative session that targeted LGBTQ+ people in the state, especially students. https://t.co/RxHIq56mtm
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 5, 2023
⚠️Governor Holcomb today signed HB 1608, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, into law. This law attempts to erase LGBTQ voices, histories, and lived experiences from schools.
Our attorneys are assessing the law, and we will do everything in our power to protect LGBTQ rights.
— ACLU of Indiana (@ACLUIndiana) May 4, 2023
Because of its incredibly vague language censoring discussions on “human sexuality”—a term with no definition in state code—HB 1608 could be used to:
❌silence any mention of LGBTQ people
❌ban books with LGBTQ characters
❌fire LGBTQ teachers
❌bar Pride flags in classrooms— ACLU of Indiana (@ACLUIndiana) May 4, 2023
Worse yet, HB 1608 forces schools to out trans students, potentially opening these youth up to increased harassment and assault. This is cruel and an invasion of privacy.
For trans youth, especially those who aren’t safe at home, school may be the only place to be themselves.
— ACLU of Indiana (@ACLUIndiana) May 4, 2023