Raven-Symoné asks why there’s no ‘Don’t Say Straight’ bill while defending LGBT+ families
Raven-Symone attends Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party. (Getty/Steve Granitz)
Raven-Symoné is still rallying against Florida’s controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law.
The That’s So Raven star has been vocal about her opposition to the hateful legislation, walking off the set of sequel series Raven’s Home to protest it shortly before it was signed into law by Republican governor Ron DeSantis,
During an appearance on Today on Wednesday (30 March), Raven-Symoné shared her concerns for the children of LGBT+ parents.
“I’m gonna say this, and this is my thing: If there’s a ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, there should be a ‘Don’t Say Straight’ bill, because it’s not fair,” she said.
.@ravensymone joins us to talk about her and her wife’s new YouTube series “8PM,” share her thoughts on Florida’s “don’t say gay” bill, and more! pic.twitter.com/FxfrqmNKNG
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 30, 2022
“There are multiple kinds of humans in this world, and you are ruining the psyche, the confidence of so many young children, because you are discrediting their parents, the people they love, the people that raised them, the people that teach them the manners when they walk into that schoolroom.”
Raven-Symoné added: “So if you’re not gonna honour their family, your family shouldn’t be honored either.”
The controversial House Bill 1557, also known as the Parental Rights in Education bill, prohibits school staff or third parties from discussing LGBT+ topics with students in kindergarten and third grade classrooms with only “age-appropriate” instruction permitted for older children.
The law also encourages school staff must out students to their potentially unsupportive families, stating that parents must be notified if there is any change in a “student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being”.
The only exception is “if a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect”, and parents will be able to sue school districts over any violations.
The Walt Disney Company, which airs Raven’s Home, has been criticised for initially refusing to speak against the bill and for cutting cheques to Republicans who backed it.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek has since backtracked and paused all political donations in Florida, while the company is now “committed” to striking down the reviled legislation.
Raven-Symoné and the cast of her Disney Channel show walked off set on Tuesday (22 March) in protest against the bill.
In a video posted to Instagram, she said: “We are walking out today in [protest against] this ridiculous bill… We don’t like it! We’re walking out. It’s stupid. We love everyone. Support, support, support.”
Raven-Symoné added in a caption: “In support of our LGBTQ+ family and all of those who will be damaged by the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill we the cast of Raven’s Home are walking out.
“In today’s world it is imperative that we take stands, show support, and move forward not backwards.
“Every family every person and every child deserves to be recognized no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Education that reflects the truth and the world we live in is something we must fight for.”
