Ohio lawmakers introduce bill similar to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill that also targets "divisive" teachings about race

Ohio House Republicans introduced an education bill this week that would prohibit teaching young students about sexual orientation or gender identity, similar to a divisive bill in Florida — dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill — that was signed by the governor in March. The bill also targets what it calls "divisive" education about race, banning lessons about topics like critical race theory and the New York Times' "1619 Project." 

The bill, sponsored by Representatives Mike Loychik and Jean Schmidt, would prohibit schools from teaching, using or providing "any curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity" for students in kindergarten through third grade. For older students, schools would be forbidden from teaching, using or providing such material "in any manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." 

If passed, the legislation would also provide an avenue for parents to file complaints against educators they feel have violated the rule, which could result in punishment ranging from admonishment to the revocation of their teaching license.