A vote expected today in the Florida House on legislation that focuses on how gender identity and sexual orientation are taught in Florida schools.
Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, who is openly gay, calls House Bill 1557, which would prohibit school instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third-grade, homophobic and transphobic.
Sponsor Representative Joe Harding says the bill doesn't target a specific gender or sexual orientation.
A vote on the bill is expected in the state House today along with a bill focused on how race-related issues should be taught in Florida schools.
HB 7 sponsor Representative Bryan Avila says the legislation does not ban the teaching of historical facts about slavery, sexism, racial oppression, segregation or discrimination.
But critics argue the bill hinders the ability of teachers to discuss the realities of American history.