POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

‘No longer a don’t say gay bill’: measure to ban some classroom discussion on sexual orientation, gender identity watered down

Feb 24, 2023, 7:00 PM

Utahns responded to a survey that will help state and local decision-making guide Utah's developmen...

Utahns responded to a survey that will help state and local decision-making guide Utah's development. (Adobe stock)

(Adobe stock)

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill to ban Utah’s K-3 classrooms from adult-led discussions and instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity is getting watered down.

A proposed new version of the bill takes out the lines that include “sexuality and gender identity.” 

With those lines stricken, the bill now restricts classroom discussion and instruction on sexuality for kids in Utah’s grades K-3 except when “age and developmentally appropriate.”

“With the proposed amendment, HB 550 can no longer be considered a ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill,” said Equality Utah. The group met with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jeff Stenquist (R-Draper) Friday to discuss their concerns. 

“This is the Utah Way in action. We have difficult conversations and engage each other’s concerns to craft better public policy,” said Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams.

They tell KSL NewsRadio they are now “neutral” on the bill.

Rep. Stenquist has said his bill was a copy of Florida’s controversial law that banned similar discussions on sexual orientation, despite its similar language. 

Rep. Stenquist went to social media Friday to issue the following statement.

 

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Politics + Government

Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson speaks at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. ...

Simone Seikaly

Utah Lt. Gov. extends filing deadline for unaffiliated presidential candidates

Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson has agreed to extend the Utah filing deadline for unaffiliated presidential candidates to March 5, 2024.

10 hours ago

wildlife overpasses...

Curt Gresseth

Feds give Utah $5.5M to build wildlife crossings near Kanab

A UDOT wildlife expert discusses building successful animal crossings to reduce collisions with vehicles.

12 hours ago

From left, Republican presidential candidates Chris Christie, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Vivek R...

Eric Bradner, Steve Contorno, Arit John and Daniel Strauss, CNN

Takeaways from the fourth Republican presidential debate

The explosive fourth Republican presidential debate Wednesday night made plain why former President Donald Trump has so far skipped the 2024 primary debate circuit.

1 day ago

FILE: Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a rally in Salt Lake City ...

Bridger Beal-Cvetco

RFK Jr. sues Utah lieutenant governor over filing deadline for presidential candidates

Kennedy's campaign argues the early deadline to file signatures violates his First Amendment and 14th Amendment rights.

1 day ago

FILE - Republican presidential candidates from left, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov....

MEG KINNARD and STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press

How to watch the fourth Republican presidential debate

The two-hour debate will start at 8 p.m. Eastern Time Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

2 days ago

FILE: Salt Lake County Government Center is pictured in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (...

Aimee Cobabe and Simone Seikaly

Proposal for sex-specific changing rooms at county rec centers draws supporters, opponents

The proposed ordinance closes a loophole in the county's current non-discrimination policy.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

‘No longer a don’t say gay bill’: measure to ban some classroom discussion on sexual orientation, gender identity watered down