Atlanta, GA: Opposition to a measure in Georgia stems from differing opinions on how to best support the state’s youth.
Private and public schools alike would be required to adhere to certain standards outlined in Senate Bill 88, the Parents and Children Protection Act of 2023.
Private schools would be required by the measure to get parental permission before addressing gender identity in any way if it were to pass into law.
However, in order to address these concerns, public schools are required to establish rules by January 1, 2025. Students under the age of sixteen would be the only ones for whom it would be mandatory.
Several Democratic members voiced their disapproval of the bill during Tuesday’s hearing, prompting the closing of the testimony portion of the session.
“It’s one thing, although I disapprove of it to allow no testimony. It’s another to allow testimony from only one side,” Senator Elena Parent of District 42 said.
However, the fact that the other side had provided feedback on the measure at earlier hearings provided some relief.
“The bill that we’ve got in front of us is because of all the public comment that we’ve heard over the past year,” Senator Clint Dixon
At this time, Georgia has not established any policies regarding this matter for educators. After passing Tuesday in Georgia’s Senate Education and Youth Committee, the measure will move on to a full Senate vote.
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