TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lawmaker David Borrero (R- Miami-Dade) has introduced a bill that seeks to prohibit the display of certain flags, including LGBTQ+ pride flags on government buildings and facilities.
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The bill (HB 901) outlines a ban on flags representing various political viewpoints, including those related to partisan issues such as race, sexual orientation, and gender.
Notably, the bill does not impose any limitations on the display of religious flags.
The term “governmental entity” is defined by the bill as any government agency, local government, public schools, public colleges, and public universities.
The primary objective of the proposed ban, as explained in the bill, is to ensure that governmental entities maintain neutrality when representing political viewpoints through flag displays. The legislation also stated that private individuals would not be restricted in expressing private speech or viewpoints protected by the First Amendment.
the bill mandates that if passed, the United States flag must be prominently displayed in a position superior to any other flag on government buildings and facility grounds.
Equality Florida, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization voiced its concerns over the bill in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
JUST IN: A new Florida House bill, HB 901, would ban cities, counties, schools, state colleges, and state universities from flying LGBTQ or Transgender Pride flags.
— Equality Florida (@equalityfl) December 18, 2023
If conservative lawmakers won’t stop trying to erase us, we won’t stop showing up to oppose them. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/8VVIrV4ifY
As of mid-day Monday, there was no Senate version of the bill that had been filed.
If the bill successfully navigates the legislative process and gains approval, it is set to be signed into law on July 1, 2024.
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