Ron DeSantis may soon sign anti-LGBTQ+ bill that could ban St. Patrick's Day events - LGBTQ Nation

"As written, the bill exposes officials to severe consequences for any perceived violation, even when decisions are made in good faith. Terms like 'related to diversity, equity, and inclusion' are undefined and sweeping and create significant legal risks for reasonable judgement calls."

"If signed into law by Florida's anti-LGBTQ+ Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), the legislation would ban local governments from using taxpayer dollars to fund or promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The bill defines DEI as any effort to promote or adopt training, programming or activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation."

Florida's Senate approved S.B. 1134 in a 25-11 vote, legislation that would prohibit local governments from using taxpayer dollars to fund or promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The bill defines DEI broadly as efforts promoting activities related to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, though it includes exceptions for federally recognized holidays and state-authorized monuments and museums. Critics argue the vague language could result in bans on Pride parades, Black History Month celebrations, and even St. Patrick's Day events. The legislation allows residents to sue local governments for violations and permits removal of elected officials. Democrats and local officials have opposed the bill as overly broad and creating legal risks for reasonable governance decisions.

Read at LGBTQ Nation