Florida: In a shocking development, Florida is likely to ban discussions on menstrual cycles and other human sexuality topics in elementary grades. According to the news agency AP, legislation was already moved in the Parliament and it was expected that the bill would pass with a majority of votes.
If the bill passes, it would restrict public schools' discussion on human sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases and related topics to grades 6 through 12. The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Stan McClain.
What if any girl gets her period in 4th grade?
“So if little girls experience their menstrual cycle in 5th grade or 4th grade, will that prohibit conversations from them since they are in the grade lower than sixth grade?” asked state Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Democrat who taught in public schools and noted that girls as young as 10 can begin having periods.
“It would,” McClain responded.
The GOP-backed legislation cleared the House Education Quality Subcommittee on Wednesday by a 13-5 vote mainly along party lines. It would also allow parents to object to books and other materials their children are exposed to, require schools to teach that a person’s sexual identity is determined biologically at birth and set up more scrutiny of certain educational materials by the state Department of Education.
McClain said the bill’s intent is to bring uniformity to sex education across all of Florida’s 67 school districts and provide more pathways for parents to object to books or other materials they find inappropriate for younger children.
Penalty for teachers
At the committee meeting, Gantt asked whether teachers could face punishment if they discuss menstruation with younger students. “My concern is they won’t feel safe to have those conversations with these little girls,” she said.
McClain said “that would not be the intent” of the bill and that he is “amenable” to some changes to its language. The measure must be approved by another committee before it can reach the House floor; a similar bill is pending in the Senate.
Also Read: Want smooth periods? Check out these suggestions for keeping up with menstrual hygiene
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