White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki orally condemned a Florida parental rights bill, branded by Democrats as a “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Psaki vocally condemned the bill even though the bill does not ban the word “gay” in school settings.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Psaki called the legislation “discriminatory,” “horrific,” and “a form of bullying” against families and LGBTQ children, while ignoring a question asked by a reporter about why President Biden voted for similar legislation in 1994 when he was a U.S. Senator.
The bill, H.B. 1557, requires school districts to adopt procedures that “reinforce the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children.” It prohibits classroom instruction – not casual discussion – on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” with children in third grade or younger, “or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
Psaki was asked by a reporter about the bill, as the reporter noted that in 1994, Biden voted to amend an education bill that aimed to “prohibit Federal funds for instructional materials, instruction, counseling, or other services on school grounds, from being used for the promotion of homosexuality as a positive lifestyle alternative.”
“Why did he do that?” the reporter asked. “And can you describe how his thinking has evolved over the years?”
“Well, I think that you have seen the President speak passionately about his view that a bill like this — a bill that would discriminate against families, against kids, put these kids in a position of not getting the support they need at a time where that’s exactly what they need — is discriminatory,” Psaki said. “It’s a form of bullying. It is horrific. I mean, the President has spoken to that.”
Last month, President Biden branded the legislation a “hateful bill,” reassuring “every member of the LGBTQI+ community” that “my Administration will continue to fight for the protection and safety you deserve.”
Psaki referenced Biden’s views from 1994, then diverted immediately to attack the current bill, per Fox News
“In terms of his views and comments from 25 years ago, I think the most important question now is: Why are Florida leaders deciding they need to discriminate against kids who are members of the LGBTQI community?” she said. “What prompts them to do that? Is it meanness?”
“Is it wanting to make kids have more difficult times in school, in their communities?” she asked. “I would pose that question to them, and we can talk about it more tomorrow if you get an answer.”
Psaki did not go into details about how the bill allegedly “discriminates” against certain children and families.
