WINTER PARK, Fla. – A Winter Park father whose kids are in the LGBTQ+ community is disheartened the Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Ted Larkins, who has a gay son and a non-binary child, argues the bill singles out the LGBTQ+ community. 

The bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Kindergarten through grade three or, “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” Supporters say the legislation is focused on curriculum and is not meant to stop teachers from engaging in any spontaneous discussions.

“When it’s appropriate you talk about it all and when it’s not you don’t, but why single out the gay community, the LGBT community.” Larkins argued. “That’s what I don’t understand.”

Larkins’ son, Will, founded Winter Park High School’s Queer Student Union and organized Monday’s student walkout. Will says he is in talks with other student leaders to plan another protest.

“I think this is empowering all of us, and people that are marginalized especially, to really stand up together and say, ‘Okay, now we’ve got more work to do to help make things better,’” said Larkin.