Ohio Republicans introduce version of Florida’s ‘Don’t say gay’ bill

On Apr 5, 2022

A version of the controversial Florida law restricting the way teachers talk about sexual orientation and gender identity has been introduced in Ohio.

Known to its opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Ohio’s House Bill 616 states that no public school, community school or private school that accepts vouchers shall “teach, use, or provide any curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity” in kindergarten through third grade.

And older kids can’t be taught “any curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity in any manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

Language in the Ohio bill mirrors the words used in Florida’s legislation.

The bill was introduced by Republican Reps. Jean Schmidt and Mike Loychik, who were not immediately available for comment.

Ohio teachers slam ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Educators in Ohio took to Twitter to decry the bill, including State Board of Education Member Christina Collins and Ohio’s 2021 teacher of the year Anthony Coy-Gonzalez.

“Students deserve an authentic and honest education that embraces each child, their experiences, families, culture, history and struggle,” Coy-Gonzalez wrote on Twitter. “We don’t teach in a vacuum but in a vibrant world full of diversity. Great teachers will always teach in a way that embraces all.”