A Florida Lawmaker Has Backed Off His Proposal That Would Have Forced Teachers To Out Students To Their Parents

The bill was condemned by theTrevor Project, which found that sexual identity issues in the classroom can benefit queer students. The group said that learning about queer issues in the classroom reduced the chance of a suicide attempt by 23%.

Eliminating chapters of history, classic literature, and critical health information from textbooks would be nothing compared to the harm that banning speech about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms would do.

A request for comment was not responded to by Harding.

The bill would also require the school to inform parents of healthcare services offered on campus and notify them about any health screenings for their child in kindergarten through third grade.

The House is expected to vote on amendments to the bill before it goes to the state Senate.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is in the US. TheTrevor Project provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth. Befrienders Worldwide has other international suicide helplines.