LISTEN HERE:
A video shared by the Biden administration, which showed the presidential estate lit in rainbow colors, was met with backlash from some social media users. The post was in honor of Pride month and included a narration by President Joe Biden, in which he said ‘these are our kids’.
However, the official account for DeSantis’ campaign and Twitter boss Musk took issue with the reference to children. DeSantis’ campaign account shared screenshots from the video and wrote: ‘They are not your kids.’ Musk replied: ‘Our kids are not fodder for the government.’
The White House wrote on Twitter: ‘To the LGBTQI+ Community — the Biden-Harris Administration has your back.’ The video featured a voiceover from Biden in which he said, ‘These are our kids. These are our neighbors. Not somebody else’s kids; they’re all our kids.
And our children are the kite strings that hold our national ambitions aloft.’ Biden added, ‘It matters a great deal how we treat everyone in this country. LGBTQ Americans, especially children, you are loved, you are heard, and this administration has your back.’
The Biden administration’s video came just four days after Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a ‘Pride Celebration’ event at the White House on Saturday. The event drew criticism as a transgender model bared her breasts.
The individual has since been banned from the White House, and an official slammed her behavior as ‘inappropriate and disrespectful.’ A White House spokesperson said in a statement to DailyMail.com, ‘It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBTQI+ families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events.’
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a law that specifically requires transgender adults to obtain written consent on a form adopted by the Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, the legislation grants Florida courts jurisdiction in child custody battles over transgender kids when a Florida parent opposes treatment that is being pursued by an out-of-state parent.
The bill signing press conference was held on May 17th, where DeSantis remarked that the law ‘will permanently outlaw the mutilation of minors.’ He also criticized states that conduct ‘experimental’ procedures on minors.
DeSantis cheered the legislation, while slamming states that are ‘welcoming’ minors and encouraging sex change surgeries without parental consent. He claimed, ‘You have actually some states in this country that want to be a haven for these types of procedures and even welcome minors without their parents’ consent.
We’re obviously doing the opposite here.’ DeSantis expressed that the law is important because it is a way for individuals to ‘recover damages’ from surgeries given to a minor. ‘They should be able to sue the physician who hurt them, and they’re now going to be able to with this law,’ DeSantis stated.
A Florida Republican supermajority recently passed an expanded version of DeSantis’ so-called ‘don’t say gay’ law. The Parental Rights in Education bill was sent to DeSantis’ desk on May 3rd for his signature after it passed the legislature by a 27-21 vote.
The new law covers all public school students Kindergarten through 8th grade. The Florida State Board of Education voted in April to ban the topic of sexual orientation and sexual identity in all public schools for all grades up through graduating high school.
Critics have dubbed the law the ‘don’t say gay’ law, claiming that it could harm gay and transgender students by preventing open discussion in public school classrooms. The new law makes it easier for parents to ensure that books they feel are inappropriate are taken off their childrens’ bookshelves.
Any person can challenge a book for any reason within their county. Once a challenge is levied, the book in question must be pulled from the shelves during the review process, which could take weeks or months.
The Biden administration has vowed to support the LGBTQ community, particularly children, and celebrate Pride Month. Some critics, however, feel that the administration’s actions may be too divisive.
The reference to ‘our kids’ in the recent video promoted by the Biden administration was met with backlash, particularly from those who feel that it is not the role of the government to determine how children should be raised. It remains to be seen how these conflicting viewpoints will be reconciled going forward.
Florida’s Governor DeSantis has recently signed several laws that aim to prevent controversial practices related to the LGBTQ community. However, critics worry that the laws may harm members of the LGBTQ community and limit free speech.
The ‘don’t say gay’ law, for example, is intended to prevent open discussion of sexual orientation and sexual identity in public schools. However, some fear that it may enable discrimination and make it difficult for LGBTQ students to feel accepted.
The law requiring written consent for transgender adults and granting Florida courts jurisdiction in child custody battles over transgender kids also has its opponents.
Some argue that the law may create barriers to care for transgender individuals and limit their freedom of choice. They also worry that the law may be used to target transgender individuals and to limit their ability to seek treatment.
Proponents of the laws signed by Governor DeSantis argue, however, that they are necessary to protect the wellbeing of minors and prevent experimental procedures that may cause harm.
They also note that the laws aim to protect parental rights and ensure that parents have a say in their children’s upbringing. Proponents of the laws also feel that they are in keeping with conservative values, particularly those related to family and traditional gender roles.
While the laws signed by Governor DeSantis prompted strong reactions, they are reflective of a broader debate taking place in the United States.
The debate centers on issues related to LGBTQ rights, gender identity, and how best to approach controversial topics related to these issues. The debate is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, fueled by strong opinions, conflicting views, and deeply held beliefs on both sides of the issue.
While it is impossible to predict the outcome of the ongoing debate, it is clear that both sides will likely continue to argue their viewpoints passionately.
Those who support the laws signed by Governor DeSantis are likely to emphasize the importance of protecting minors and promoting traditional values. Those who oppose the laws are likely to argue that they violate individual liberties and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ community.
It is likely that the debate over these issues will continue to be a source of controversy and division going forward.
While some believe that the best approach is to avoid discussing these issues altogether, others argue that an open and honest conversation is necessary in order to promote understanding and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
As we move forward, it is important to remember that the issues related to LGBTQ rights and gender identity are complex and deeply personal.
Both sides of the debate have legitimate concerns and valid arguments. Ultimately, it will be up to policymakers and the public to navigate these issues in a way that is respectful, compassionate, and fair to all involved.
The controversies surrounding Governor DeSantis’ recent legislation highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and engaged on issues surrounding LGBTQ rights and gender identity.
While there may be no easy answers or simple solutions, it is incumbent upon us all to stay informed, speak out when necessary, and work to promote understanding and acceptance, even in the face of strong opposition.