TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Legislation moving in the Florida Residence would ban discussion of menstrual cycles and other human sexuality subjects in elementary grades.
The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Stan McClain would restrict public college instruction on human sexuality, sexually transmitted ailments and associated subjects to grades six by means of 12. McClain confirmed at a current committee meeting that discussions about menstrual cycles would also be restricted to these grades.
“So if small girls practical experience their menstrual cycle in 5th grade or 4th grade, will that prohibit conversations from them given that they are in the grade reduce than sixth grade?” asked state Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Democrat who taught in public schools and noted that girls as young as ten can start possessing periods.
“It would,” McClain responded.
The GOP-backed legislation cleared the Residence Education Excellent Subcommittee on Wednesday by a 13-five vote primarily along celebration lines. It would also permit parents to object to books and other supplies their young children are exposed to, need schools to teach that a person’s sexual identity is determined biologically at birth and set up extra scrutiny of specific educational supplies by the state Division of Education.
McClain stated the bill’s intent is to bring uniformity to sex education across all of Florida’s 67 college districts and present extra pathways for parents to object to books or other supplies they come across inappropriate for younger young children.
At the committee meeting, Gantt asked no matter whether teachers could face punishment if they talk about menstruation with younger students.
“My concern is they will not really feel protected to have these conversations with these small girls,” she stated.
McClain stated “that would not be the intent” of the bill and that he is “amenable” to some adjustments to its language. The measure need to be authorized by an additional committee prior to it can attain the Residence floor a equivalent bill is pending in the Senate.
An e-mail looking for comment was sent Saturday to the workplace of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is broadly observed as a possible 2024 presidential candidate.
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