Legislative Debate Shifts to Cities and Counties on Gender-Related Issues
Restrictions on Personal Pronouns in Schools May Extend to Local Governments
Tallahassee, Florida – Two years after the passage of a controversial measure restricting the use of personal pronouns in schools, the debate on gender-related issues is shifting to cities and counties. Lobbyist John Labriola from Christian Family Coalition Florida has expressed interest in extending the 2023 education law to restrict the use of personal pronouns in city and county governments.
Labriola’s Request
Labriola addressed the Marion County delegation on Wednesday, stating that his organization would like to see the 2023 law, which restricts the use of personal pronouns in schools, extended to city and county governments. He hopes to see the issue considered during the 2023 legislative session, which starts on March 4.
Background on the 2023 Law
The 2023 law states that school employees and students “may not be required, as a condition of employment or enrollment or participation in any program, to refer to another person using that person’s preferred personal title or pronouns if such personal title or pronouns do not correspond to that person’s sex.” The state defines sex as what was assigned at birth.
Challenges to the Law
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of the 2023 law against transgender Hillsborough County teacher Katie Wood, who challenged its constitutionality. The lawsuit contends that Wood should be able to use her preferred pronouns while at work.
Potential Legislation
Labriola explained that some counties have adopted policies on gender-identity issues, such as the use of pronouns. Under potential legislation, if an employee is “not comfortable using a preferred pronoun and would rather use the person’s actual pronoun, that they would not be punished or fired for using that pronoun.”
Legislative Action
Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, a Belleview Republican, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, filed legislation for the 2024 session, but it did not get heard.
Conclusion
The debate on gender-related issues is shifting from schools to cities and counties, with potential legislation aimed at restricting the use of personal pronouns. The outcome of this legislation remains uncertain, as it has not been filed as of Wednesday afternoon.
FAQs
Q: What is the 2023 law?
A: The 2023 law restricts the use of personal pronouns in schools, stating that school employees and students “may not be required, as a condition of employment or enrollment or participation in any program, to refer to another person using that person’s preferred personal title or pronouns if such personal title or pronouns do not correspond to that person’s sex.”
Q: What is the current status of the 2023 law?
A: The 2023 law is currently being challenged in court, with a preliminary injunction blocking its enforcement against transgender Hillsborough County teacher Katie Wood.
Q: What is the potential legislation aimed at extending the 2023 law to city and county governments?
A: The potential legislation is aimed at restricting the use of personal pronouns in city and county governments, allowing employees to use their preferred pronouns if they do not correspond to their sex.
