Vice President Kamala Harris claimed that Florida’s parental consent law keeps teachers from being able to “love openly.”
Harris castigated “extremist” leaders who she didn’t name, but did reference by state, saying that some state laws were infringing on Americans’ rights.
Specifically noted by the vice president was the Florida law nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” law which prohibits teachers from discussing issues of sexual preference with K-3rd grade children.
Harris’ comments came during an interview with journalist Brian Tyler Cohen, according to The Daily Mail.
“We all know your right to vote and the action of voting unlocks all the other rights, including same-sex marriage,” the vice president said.
She continued, “Including whether we are going to stand up against a law that says ‘Don’t Say Gay,’ basically restricting kindergarten through third-grade teachers to be able to love openly and teach what they believe is important for people to understand.”
KAMALA HARRIS: "We're gonna stand up against a law that says 'don't say gay' basically restricting K-3 teachers in Florida to be able to love openly and teach what they believe is important for people to understand."
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 24, 2022
1) The Florida law literally says none of that.
2) Huh? pic.twitter.com/1MSAlqlFxa
The text of Florida’s law states that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
According to The Daily Mail, supporters of the legislation have pointed out that despite the bill’s nickname, the word “gay” doesn’t actually appear in the legislation.
Elsewhere in the interview, Harris said, “Women are getting pregnant every day in America, and this is a real issue and we need to act with a sense of haste about what is at play what is at stake, and codifying Roe will be an important moment…”
KAMALA HARRIS: "Women are getting pregnant every day in America, and this is a real issue." pic.twitter.com/hWErnMztJf
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 24, 2022
In addition to her other comments, Harris spoke about President Joe Biden’s thoughts on the Supreme Court following its decision on abortion right saying, “The president has been clear that expansion of the court is not something that’s on the table,” according to The Daily Mail.
“So let’s focus right now on what we need to do around winning this election with pro-choice, you know, people,” Harris added.