The Florida House today began moving forward with a proposal that would restrict the types of flags that can be displayed at government buildings and schools, including preventing the display of LGBTQ pride flags. That ban has long been enforced in Flagler schools, based on an interpretation of local policy.
The bill (HB 901), sponsored by Rep. David Borrero, R-Sweetwater, and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, drew heavy opposition from LGBTQ people, activists and parents and refueled legislative battles that have raged in recent years about LGBTQ-related issues.
Supporters said the bill is aimed at preventing “indoctrination” at places such as schools.
“This is something that literally is bringing us back to the focus of education and not indoctrination,” Rep. Doug Bankson, R-Apopka, said.
But Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami Beach, said the bill “validates hate” and poses constitutional questions.
“The problem with this bill is, in addition to the constitutional issues, that it fosters the same kind of intolerance that breeds the violence that makes our communities unsafe,” Joseph said. “And how it does that is by, instead of fostering tolerance, we focus on intolerance for culture wars.”
Flagler County schools have banned the display of LGBTQ flags since 2022. That spring, then-Flgagler Palm Coast High School student Jack Petocz organized a protest on school grounds against a bill–since enacted as law–that bans discussion of gender roles and sexuality (often referred to as the “don;t say gay” law). Petocz distributed Pride flags. He was suspended for several days, as were others, some of them waving a MAGA flag. (See: “‘Handful’ of Students Suspended Up to 3 Days Following Thursday ‘Say Gay’ Walkouts and Fight Over Trump Flag.”)
After Petocz’s suspension, students and others organized a protest outside FPC that included the waving of a giant section from an iconic Pride flag. (See: “A Storied Gay-Pride Flag Doubles Down Outside FPC as Veterans Lead Protest of Student Leader’s Suspension.”) A month later in Flagler Beach, Eryn Harris, founder of Flagler Pride, organized a demonstration lush in Pride flags in part in response to what, at the time, had been regular appearances by demonstrators with obscene, MAGA-themed signs at the corner of State Road 100 and State Road A1A. The protest also called out other anti-LGBTQ efforts in the state.
The previous year, when LGBTQ advocates, most of them students, demonstrated outside the Government Services Building in Bunnell, they were the target of attacks and obscenities by counter-demonstrators, all of them adults, many of them non-residents who had driven in for the taunting, and led . (See: “Student Protesters Face Hail of Vile Obscenities, Taunts and Threats From Group Claiming to Speak For Children.”)
The anti-LGBTQ movement in Flagler schools, however, is in the ascendant, especially after the election of Will Furry and Christy Chong to the school board in 2022 (though two predecessors, Janet McDonald and Jill Woolbright, had been no less militantly opposed to LGBTQ equality, displays, or LGBTQ-themed books in school libraries: Woolbright filed a criminal complaint against then-Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt over the presence of certain LGBTQ-themed books in libraries. A book-banning frenzy followed.)
Last February, Chong demanded that a “Safe Space” sign imprinted on a background showing the Pride flag be removed from a classroom at Matanzas High School. (See: “School Board’s Chong Demands ‘Safe Space’ Sign Be Removed Seconds After Decrying Violence at Matanzas.”) No one on the school board, even its two supporters of LGBTQ rights, objected. Weeks later, Chong rallied in support of a student who vandalized civil-rights inspired posters in a display from a social studies class, among them some bearing emblems of LGBTQ rights. (See: “FPC Student Vandalizes ‘Offensive’ Civil Rights-Inspired Posters. School Board’s Chong Rallies To His Side.”)
In short, the flag-banning bill making its way through the Legislature–in essence, Don;t Wave Gay–has been enacted in Flagler schools for two years.
The Republican-controlled House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee voted 9-5 along party lines to approve the bill, which needs to clear the State Affairs Committee before it could go to the full House. A similar Senate bill (SB 1120) has not been heard in committees midway through the second week of the 60-day legislative session.
The House bill does not specifically name flags that would be barred from being displayed at public buildings and schools. But, in part, it would prevent the display of flags that represent a “political viewpoint, including, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint.”
It would not affect flying such things as the U.S. flag, the state flag and the POW-MIA flag.
In addition to pride flags, lawmakers said the bill could prevent display of flags representing such things as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Supporters said the measure would not prevent people from flying flags at their homes or other private places, just not at government buildings.
“I don’t want the Hamas flag flying in this room,” Fine said, referring to the House committee room. “I don’t want the Black Lives Matter flag flying in this room, and I don’t want the Trump for president flag flying in this room. Those aren’t appropriate. They’re not appropriate in this room, they’re not appropriate in our schools, they’re not appropriate in our government buildings.”
But Rep. Johanna Lopez, D-Orlando, said the bill is “not about indoctrination. It’s about discrimination.”
“I think we should be fostering communities of inclusion, and I think this bill is moving us backwards and not forwards,” Rep. Lindsay Cross, D-St. Petersburg, said.
Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis in recent years have approved a series of controversial measures related to LGBTQ people and issues, such as bills that prevent instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. They have also targeted the teaching of Black and minority histories. This session, lawmakers have introduced what Equality Florida, the LGBTQ advoicacy organization, has dubbed the Don’t Say Gay or Trans at Work (HB 599/SB 1382) and the Trans Erasure (HB 1233 & HB 1639) bills “fueled,” the organization states, “by a sinister belief that transgender people do not exist and that government should be weaponized to exclude them from public life.”
“Transgender people have always existed, and we have a right to live our lives free from the relentless harassment and demonization perpetuated by Governor DeSantis and his extremist allies for their cynical political purposes,” said Angelique Godwin, Equality Florida’s TransAction Special Events Coordinator. “Our community deserves equality under the law and the right to live authentically without being weaponized for divisive agendas. DeSantis’s extremist rhetoric not only undermines our liberty but has also made Florida less safe. We are not pawns in a political game; we are people with the right to dignity, equality, and a life free from constant slander and discrimination.”
Godwin spoke at a rally organized in defense of LGBTQ rights at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday.
–FlaglerLive and News Service of Florida
Jeff Miller says
About time..
TR says
I agree. People have a right to choose their sexual preference. But I’m sick of something other than Male and Female connection being jammed down my throat. Now it’s even on TV with the hallmark channel during their holiday shows. Adam and eve were male and female. The other thing I don’t like is when a gay or lesbian couple adopt a child. These kids grow up confused as crap. If the adults want to have a child, stay with a person of the opposite sex and have fun making a child. Anything other than male and female connection is disgusting and I don’t want to see it.
Endless dark money says
Well when the party of hate gets to banning. Everyone must rally to defend the oppressed and shut down the hate. It’s not your decision how people live their lives but the rcons seem to think it is. Ban the terrorists gop
Sick of Hypocrites says
But it’s the Dems who banned Christian Flags, Christmas Flags, and books such as Huckleberry Finn, Dr. Seuess and most of the Harry Potter series. They’re also the ones who wore white hoods and lynched black people. So stop being such a hypocrite. And think twice before you throw that first stone.
Anthony says
Democrats didn’t ban Dr. Seuss. The estate of the author ended printing of several books, that were low sellers anyway, that had questionable content. Democrats didn’t ban Harry Potter, certain conservatives have tried to because “they promote witchcraft and the occult”. There’s a difference between a ban and calling out the author for being a transphobic bigot
JoB says
Are there studies that back the statement that kids who are adopted by gay/lesbian parents are confused as crap?
Skibum says
I’d like to know just how many same sex couples with adopted children you know, or that you personally have interviewed, to reach this epiphany you have that these kids are somehow “confused”? I bet we don’t have to count past zero. I know for a fact that children of same sex couples are no more confused about their family than any other kid. In fact, while visiting relatives up in Charlotte, NC over the holidays last month, my nephew told us that his 5-year old had come home from school recently and mentioned to his dad that one of his classmates “had two dads”. My nephew said he asked his son if that was a problem for him and his son said “no” and continued playing with his toys in their living room like nothing else needed to be said about that particular fact. I will tell you that I was very pleased and smiled, because my same sex spouse and I have been up to visit our nephew and niece several times since their son was born, and he is a wonderful, independent and well adjusted kid. Of course, at his age, we have said absolutely nothing to him about our same sex relationship but I would bet he has already put 2+2 together and figured it out for himself. We know a number of same sex couples throughout the U.S. who have their own adopted children, so I would be willing to say that OUR experience and knowledge about whether kids of same sex couples grow up being “confused” as you suggest is true or not is much more on target than the assumption that you seemed to have picked out of the air because it fits your preconceived notion and dislike of same sex couples adopting children. Your information is absolutely FALSE.
Pam says
Agreed! We could solve the problem easily. Only flags that are allowed should be the American Flag, State Flag or school flag if there is one! If kids can’t fly other flags, they can do it at home, in their cars, etc…
Have a nice day flag says
That means no trump flags, no blue line, red line, black line, trump as a muscular guy (?) flags, no fjb flags, no cardboard home-made flags stating falsehoods, when you have a baby no pink or blue flags, no “happy spring” (insert holiday theme) flags, etc etc. won’t be long then before they come for Your flag.
See why we have freedom of speech? It doesn’t just mean freedom of Your speech.
Sick of Hypocrites says
Good. Then you’ll have no problem with flying Christian flags, Dollar-sign flags, Turning Point flags, and anything that says “Heteros Only” on civic buildings? Hey, First Amendment! Oh, and that means screaming on megaphones outside your house 12 hours a day. Right?
JW says
We came to America 40 years ago. We came with high expectations and respect for the country. What a change for the worse! I am embarrassed to see America go down, risking to become a failed state.
Instead of arguing about flags, can we focus more on improving education. We are way behind the rest of world. This applies to politicians as well who should be ashamed as the world looks on to a failing America, which considers itself as the greatest nation on earth. Unless we reduce the ignorance of many Americans, young and older we can’t have a well functioning democracy with room for freedom of thought. But this maybe behind the current political debate about democracy versus authoritarianism. That needs to be taught at school as well, among many other things we can not talk about (books among them). Think about this before you vote.
Deborah Coffey says
Very well stated.
The Sour Kraut says
Well said.
Pam says
You are 100% correct! I know for a fact that there are many who agree with every word you wrote! I hope there are more of us!
Pogo says
@Organized crime, by organized criminals
The gangsters that rule Florida have no defense for their successes in starving government functions and performance of its primary duties — while brazenly creating a haven for white collar crime, tax evasion, money laundering, drug and gun smuggling, white slavers serving a degenerate worldwide jet set, war criminals in retirement, and the rest of the low people in high places they call friend and family.
The rest of us live in the unaffordable and overcrowded zoo, that these creeps have created, and they have to have something to talk about besides that. Bring on the eternal classics: rambling nonsense about nothing and their favorite for fooling those who are always easy prey to suggestion, magical thinking, and scapegoating — moral panic.
https://www.google.com/search?q=moral+panic
Howdy
Samuel L. Bronkowitz says
So, no american flag either right?
Atwp says
Are we really free?
Ban the gop says
Nope just a guise to keep business as usual and profits high. Let’s ban Republicans next as they are domestic terrorists and are chipping away quickly at your very few rights. Similar to book banning they tell some lies like parents will decide which books are banned then when parents choose to keep a book they ban it anyway as it’s the school boards decision not parents who have the say. parent involvement was a sham. Laughable how uneducated people are these days and believe the fox “news” propaganda machine. Funny how “the party of small government ” wants government control of what you can read and which flags are displayed since they are racist morons and don’t like anything that challenges their twisted views society. Even Jesus teachings is of compassion, love, and understanding. Not hate and discrimination that the religious republicons preach. But guess that’s what florida voted for so ban your freedoms away and wait for the next shoe to drop.
Skibum says
I have never in my life heard more nonsense about actual legislation to ban this, and ban that, and no we will not allow you to read this, or to say that, or even as PARENTS to have a say so over decisions pertaining to your own children that normal parents make… that is not until I moved here to the so-called and ridiculous and oxymoron “freedom state” of Florida! DeSantis and his gerrymandered GOP legislature are trying their hardest to nazify this state, take away everyone’s freedoms that do not comport with their extremist vision and desires, and to criminalize and punish those who they hate, particularly women, minorities and LGBT citizens, all of whom they wish to be vanquished to the dustbin of history if they make one misstep out of Herr Oberfuhrer’s dictates. Zig Heil Ronny they will salute in Tallahassee. Even this state’s Supreme Court under the Oberfuhrer DeSantis will change it’s black robed justices to wearing more traditional white robes with little holes for their eyes and mouth.
Bailey’s Mom says
Truth…the sad truth that is as DeathSantis & the GOP attempt to take all our civil liberties. Please take action and continue to speak up for Humanity! VOTE