(Screenshot from Zoom session)
ORLANDO | State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani held a virtual review of Florida’s most recent 2023 Legislative Session on Zoom May 15. Around 300 people attended the online event.
Eskamani is District 42’s House representative and has been outspoken in her objection to all the recent legislation restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ Floridians.
Eskamani broke down the bills that have gone through the Florida Legislature in the past session, including the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, an anti-trans bathroom bill, gender-affirming care ban and the anti-drag bill. She also went over legislation regarding academic freedom, firearms, abortion and voting rights.
SB 1320, also dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill, was expanded to include further book bans and prohibits school employees, contractors or students from being required to use an individual’s correct pronouns. The bill also prohibits discussion or instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity through grade 8.
“We are seeing a lot of extremism being facilitated by these terribly bigoted policies,” Eskamani said Monday night.
Eskamani explained that HB 1521 prohibits trans people from using a restroom that aligns with their gender identity. She made note that the bill was amended to apply specifically to public buildings.
“It’s still such a bad policy, still really offensive and endangering to trans people,” Eskamani said.
Signed into law on May 11, SB 1580 states that medical providers may now decline care to a patient due to any “conscience-based objection.” Eskamani stated that she filed an amendment to require facilities to post their “moral objections” in their offices and on their website, but the amendment failed.
SB 254, the bill banning gender-affirming care in Florida, was outlined heavily by Eskamani. It includes custody provisions that affect separated parents with joint custody of a transgender child. If one parent does not agree with the gender-affirming care, they can seek intervention from the court system. The bill also prohibits state funds from being used for gender-affirming care, such as state employees using their health insurance towards this type of treatment. This applies to both adults and children.
The bill also prohibits gender-affirming care for minors, but only new patients. Any minor receiving care prior to bill passing will not be affected, but it will ban future patients from starting treatment.
Eskamani made note that SB 254 does include a specific carveout for emergency care. “No matter your identity, I don’t want you to be afraid to call 911 and seek medical help in an emergency,” Eskamani said.
This bill will go into effect once signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which he has not signed at the time of publishing.
HB 1423 would allow state agencies to fine, revoke liquor licenses, and even permanently close businesses that host drag events or performances. Eskamani said that because of the bill’s vague language and descriptions that it has caused a “chilling effect,” that some businesses have canceled or postponed events in fear of repercussions.
“Again, it’s really important that we not only continue to push back on these policies but don’t fall into the trap of proactive cohersion.”
To learn more about Eskamani and to get information on how you can get involved, go to AnnaForFlorida.com.
Watch Eskamani’s full Legislative review below.
