Mike Johnson, a Republican Louisiana congressman, introduced legislation to effectively block federal funding for institutions across the U.S. that recognize gender identity and sexual orientation.
The bill, officially titled the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,” is being dubbed as a federal version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” lawThe state legislature severely restricts the discussion on LGBTQ issues in public schools across the state. However, several critics have pointed out the fact that Johnson’s proposal is even more restrictive than the Florida law — if passed, it would forbid such subjects not only in schools, but also in libraries, hospitals, military bases and other institutions.
The bill doesn’t have a strong chance of passing at this time — Democrats, who are opposed to such measures, control both houses of Congress and the presidency. However, the legislation is indicative what Republicans could try passing into law if they win in the 2022 midterms or the White House in 2024.
Johnson’s bill would, among other items, restrict entities that receive federal funding from discussing with children “any topic involving gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgenderism, sexual orientation, or related subjects.”
Johnson lied about perversion of youth and indoctrination in a statement about the legislation arguments that have become common among far right lawmakers and commentatorsIn recent months, to justify why his bill should have been passed.
“The Democrat Party [sic] and their cultural allies are on a misguided crusade to immerse young children in sexual imagery and radical gender ideology,” Johnson said. “No federal tax dollars should go to any federal, state, or local government agencies, or private organizations that intentionally expose children under 10 years of age to sexually explicit material.”
The legislation would allow parents to file lawsuits against any entity that receives federal funding and is in violation of the bill’s language.
“Universities, public schools, hospitals, medical clinics, etc. could all be defunded if they host any event discussing LGBTQ people and children could be present,” tweeted Alejandra CaraballoProfessor at Harvard Law School, and a clinical instructor. “The way they define ‘sexually oriented material’ simply includes anything about LGBTQ people.”
“This is the American version of Russia’s gay propaganda law passed in 2013. This is their end game,” Caraballo added, referring to Republicans. “To censor and ban LGBTQ from all public life and force them back into the closet.”
Restricting federal funds from programs that discuss LGBTQ issues would reduce children’s ability to see aspects of themselves represented in institutions that receive federal funds. Indeed, with around 1 in 10 children identifying as gay or bisexual in the U.S.If adults tell children that they cannot talk about the issues, it could lead to stigmatization of kids who are enrolled in federally-funded programs.
