The Alabama state Legislature passed a bill on Thursday banning classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in all elementary school grades in the state’s public schools.
The bill is similar to a controversial Florida law that bans both topics from being taught in kindergarten through third grade and was dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, despite the law never using the word “gay.”
The Alabama bill goes a step further than the Florida law by banning instruction of the topics in fourth and fifth grade as well. The provision was added to a bill requiring students to use the bathroom and locker room corresponding to their biological sex at school.
In a statement, the Alabama American Civil Liberties Union said the legislation was “part of a systematic and growing attack on trans people, particularly trans youth, in all aspects of life.”
While Alabama is the first state to pass a direct copycat bill to Florida’s much maligned law, several other states have seen similar measures introduced.
State lawmakers in Ohio and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills banning classroom instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in elementary grades, while Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has indicated he plans to pursue similar legislation in the Lone Star State.
The Alabama bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Kay Ivey, who has not yet indicated whether or not she will sign it.
