Congressional Republicans advance federal 'don't say trans' school bill

"Students of every gender identity should be able to go to school and learn in a safe, affirming environment. When transgender students' identities are erased, and mentions of their community are [censored] by Congressional mandate, their education-and wellbeing-are needlessly put at risk."

"The bill would prohibit schools that receive federal funding from using those funds for materials or programming deemed "sexually oriented," a category the bill explicitly defines to include "gender dysphoria or transgenderism." That language has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and Democrats, who argue it effectively categorizes transgender identity as inherently sexual."

"The American Library Association warned it would give "politicians broad authority" over what stories are allowed in schools and libraries, raising concerns about a federal book ban targeting LGBTQ+ content. The Authors Guild has likewise urged lawmakers to oppose the measure, framing it as part of a broader wave of censorship efforts."

The House committee approved H.R. 7661, the "Stop the Sexualization of Children Act," which would restrict federal education funding for materials or programming deemed "sexually oriented," explicitly including gender dysphoria and transgenderism. LGBTQ+ advocates and Democrats argue the bill categorizes transgender identity as inherently sexual and inappropriate for schools, potentially erasing transgender students from classrooms and harming their well-being. Free expression groups warn the legislation would grant politicians broad authority over school and library content, effectively creating a federal book ban targeting LGBTQ+ materials. The American Library Association and Authors Guild oppose the measure, viewing it as part of a broader censorship wave affecting educators, writers, and students.

Read at Advocate.com