Missouri debates ban on LGBTQ education for all grades

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers are debating a proposal to ban most LGBTQ education subjects in public schools across grade levels. The bill is modeled on a Florida law passed last year, but goes further by applying the ban to all grade levels, not just early elementary grades. Critics call it a “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Supporters say it’s about “parent’s rights.” A Missouri House education committee is debating the bill Wednesday. The bill’s sponsor says it would prohibit educators from teaching about the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, and that it would have to be amended to allow students to take Advanced Placement classes.