Shawn Mendes addresses Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill in simple but effective way

Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Island Records

Shawn Mendes has indicated his opposition to Florida’s controversial ‘Don’t say gay’ bill.

The proposed legislation would ban teachers in the southern state from discussing sexuality and gender identity with students in the classroom. The bill faces a vote in the state Senate this week.

The ‘Señorita’ singer posted about the bill on Twitter yesterday [Monday 7 March 2022], while sharing a post from ‘Equality Florida’, an account dedicated to LGBTQ equality in the region.

“Call your senators”

“Florida, call your senators!” was Shawn’s simple but effective message to fans. 

Florida, call your senators ! https://t.co/MMa6iufpXf #LetFreeFloridaSayGay https://t.co/w9Tgm7ApUv

— Shawn Mendes (@ShawnMendes) March 8, 2022

Equality Florida’s post meanwhile reads: “Ahead of today’s Senate floor debate on the Don’t Say Gay bill, students and faith leaders from across Florida are rallying on the Capitol steps with LGBTQ lawmakers.

“Today is the day for cooler legislative heads to prevail. Today is the day to put a stop to Don’t Say Gay.”

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shawn Mendes (@shawnmendes)

Last month, the bill passed Florida’s House of Representatives in a 69-47 vote. 

Formally known as The Parental Rights in Education Act, the bill has been denounced by President Joe Biden as “hateful.”

The bill, sponsored by Republican Republican Joe Harding, states [as per Yahoo]: “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has meanwhile expressed support for the bill, saying: “The larger issue with all of this is parents must have a seat at the table when it comes to what’s going on in their schools.”