‘Don’t say gay’ bill opponents meet at Pride Park in Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Zoe Rafols was among the dozens who met on Sunday in Miami Beach to ask Gov. Ron DeSantis not to sign a bill that they say is a direct attack to the LGBTQ+ community in Florida.

The Florida legislature passed the Parental Rights in Education bill on Tuesday. It’s known among critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill because it bans teachers from talking about sexual orientation or gender identity to kindergartners and students in first, second, or third grade.

“I think it’s import for us to show the governor that there are people that are opposing it, even though he is going to sign it, there are people who are taking a stand against it,” Rafols said.

Mayor Dan Gelber, who is campaigning for reelection, also participated in the demonstration at the new 5.8-acre Pride Park, across from the Miami Beach Convention Center, and steps away from City Hall. Gelber stood on stage and fired up the crowd.

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“Together with you! On the count of three! Say, gay!” The crowd responded and cheered.

Florida Republicans say the bill is meant to empower parents. President Joe Biden released a statement referring to the bill as a “hateful” attack on the LGBTQ+ community.

Western High School students who participated in a school walkout that turned violent on Friday in Davie said the discourse is already emboldening bullies. Marco Tani said he and his girlfriend were injured.

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