Out Florida lawmaker defends bill banning kids from social media
LGBTQ+ advocates day the ban would harm queer youth's access to information, but state Rep. Michele Rayner says the harms outweigh the benefits of social media.
January 25, 2024
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LGBTQ+ advocates day the ban would harm queer youth's access to information, but state Rep. Michele Rayner says the harms outweigh the benefits of social media.
Lawmakers debated bills restricting drag, bathroom access, and gender-affirming care.
The ban may be unenforceable now, but things could change, so Rep. Michele Rayner wants to get it off the state's books.
The state's House voted 69-47 in favor of the bill.
Hundreds of parents, children, and advocates gathered at the Florida Capitol on Monday to protest a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been proposed in the state.
Two gay men expected to win Florida House seats lost to Republican incumbents. Voters failed to elect three trans candidates seeking to make history.
The bills targeted gender-affirming care, drag shows, and bathroom access for trans people.
Mondaire Jones, one of the first Black gay men in Congress, lost the Democratic primary in a new district.
The much derided bill has now become law.
In the Florida legislature, Rayner has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a critic of the state's "don't say gay" law. She'll now run for reelection for her state House seat.
The Republican also talks about not wanting to be known as an LGBTQ+ lawmaker although Basabe, who is married to a woman, once said he was "a gay candidate."
Florida is advancing the bill amid threats of repercussions from the NCAA.
She is currently the only lesbian in the Florida legislature.
Ashley Brundage, Nathan Bruemmer, and Vance Ahrens are all vying to be Florida's first transgender lawmakers.
Christina Pushaw conflated LGBTQ+ education with "grooming."
Shevrin Jones, targeted by antigay robotexts during the campaign, is poised to become Florida's first out state senator.
Smith previously served in the state's house of representatives before losing his election in 2022.
“It’s also important to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of our election for Florida’s LGBTQ community, who have been relentlessly attacked and demonized by the majority party in this Legislature over the past few years,” Smith said on Friday.
The November election isn't just about defeating Trump and flipping the U.S. Senate. It's a chance to diversify all levels of government.