Alabama lawmakers advance expansion of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ and ban Pride flags at schools

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday advanced legislation to expand the state’s ban on teacher-led discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in public school classrooms.

The House of Representatives voted 74-25 for the bill, which now advances to the Alabama Senate. It’s part of a wave of laws across the country that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.” It would expand current Alabama law, which prohibits the instruction in elementary school, and take the prohibition through the eighth grade. It would also ban teachers and school employees from displaying Pride flags or similar symbols, on school grounds.

Opponents questioned the need for the bill and argued that it sends a message to LGBTQ+ families, students, and teachers that they don’t belong in the state.

“All of you in this body know LGBTQ people and know they are people just like you and me, people made in the image of God,” Democratic Rep. Marilyn Lands of Madison, said as she urged colleagues to reject the bill. Democratic Rep. Phillip Ensler of Montgomery, said it was embarrassing the state was spending time on “made-up stuff” instead of issues such as gun violence or health care.

The vote came after two hours of debate and largely broke down along party lines with Republicans voting in favor of the bill and Democrats voting against it.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Tennessee’s GOP governor says Volkswagen plant workers made a mistake in union vote </bsp-custom-headline>