A new national poll found over 60% of U.S. citizens support the provision in a controversial Florida bill that would prohibit classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity through third grade.
The new poll, conducted by the market research firm Lucid for the Daily Wire, asked respondents their opinion on the specific text of the Florida bill, starkly contrasting with another recent poll from ABC and Ipsos that found 62% supported teaching elementary school students about sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Florida bill, a parental rights legislation dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by detractors despite containing no such provision, has drawn substantial national controversy because of its provision barring classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
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The Daily Wire poll showed respondents the text of the bill, which reads, “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through third grade or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” Sixty-four percent of respondents supported the bill when presented with its text. The poll has a margin of error of 5%.
In contrast, the ABC poll asked respondents if they would “support or oppose legislation that would prohibit classroom lessons about sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary school?” and reported 62% opposed such a prohibition.
Celebrities, liberal pundits, and Democratic politicians, including President Joe Biden, have decried the bill as bigoted and harmful to gay and transgender youth. Supporters say the measure is necessary to protect young children from classroom instruction that is not age-appropriate.
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The bill passed the Republican-controlled state Legislature last week and awaits the signature of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has indicated he will sign it into law.
