House Republicans are advancing a sweeping federal education proposal, which critics say mirrors state-level “Don’t Say Gay” laws like Florida House Bill 1557, which restrict classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. The legislation, House Bill 2616 or the PROTECT Kids Act, was introduced by Tim Walberg and co-sponsored by Burgess Owens, Mary Miller, Robert Onder, and Kevin Kiley.
The bill would require federally funded public elementary and middle schools to obtain parental consent before recognizing any change in a student’s gender expression. Discussed during a House Rules Committee hearing on Tuesday, the proposal applies to schools receiving funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It mandates parental approval before updating gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name, or allowing access to facilities aligned with a student’s gender identity.
A related measure, HB 2617, is also introduced by Owens, which would bar federal funds from supporting “gender ideology.” There is also a bill making its way through the Senate with the same text. David Stacy of the Human Rights Campaign said, “Despite the many pressing issues facing our nation, House Republicans continue their bizarre obsession with trans people.”
