State lawmakers are working to pass more legislation geared toward banning LGBTQ topics in public schools. Alabama House of Representatives passed HB130, which prohibits classroom discussion or providing classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.A similar bill was initially passed in 2022. However, the ban was only for grades kindergarten through fifth. Now, it’s K-8.HB130 prohibits public school employees from wearing and displaying flags or other items related to LGBTQ topics on school property.Rep. Juandalynn Givan questioned the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mack Butler, about how could this legislation properly define items that are considered to be related to LGBTQ. She feels some articles of clothing or accessories might be confusing.The Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl feels the legislation is sensible.”It protects children from indoctrination or from social agendas. It keeps that out of our classrooms,” Wahl said.>> IMPORTANT ISSUES: WVTM 13 InvestigateHowever, Democrat Rep. Neil Rafferty feels the bill should offer more clarity if legislation is coming from the state level on this topic.He put forth an amendment to change the language to “shall not engage in classroom discussion or instruction intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender.”Legislators did vote to table the amendment: 70 yeas, 27 nays. If signed into law, it becomes effective Oct. 1, 2024.The state Senate will now vote on this matter.>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free
Alabama House of Representatives passed , which prohibits classroom discussion or providing classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.
A similar bill was initially passed in 2022. However, the ban was only for grades kindergarten through fifth. Now, it’s K-8.
HB130 prohibits public school employees from wearing and displaying flags or other items related to LGBTQ topics on school property.
Rep. Juandalynn Givan questioned the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mack Butler, about how could this legislation properly define items that are considered to be related to LGBTQ. She feels some articles of clothing or accessories might be confusing.
The Alabama GOP Chairman John Wahl feels the legislation is sensible.
“It protects children from indoctrination or from social agendas. It keeps that out of our classrooms,” Wahl said.
However, Democrat Rep. Neil Rafferty feels the bill should offer more clarity if legislation is coming from the state level on this topic.
He put forth an amendment to change the language to “shall not engage in classroom discussion or instruction intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender.”
Legislators did vote to table the amendment: 70 yeas, 27 nays. If signed into law, it becomes effective Oct. 1, 2024.
The state Senate will now vote on this matter.
