A new poll of Democrat voters in Florida shows that a majority of Democrats support limits on teaching sexual orientation in schools as required by the Parental Rights in Education bill.
The poll was conducted from March 17-20 for Floridians for Economic Advancement, a political committee that has supported state legislative candidates from both parties.
The poll comes amid national protests against the Parental Rights in Education bill that critics have labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill “prohibits a school district from encouraging classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.”
The main focus of the poll was the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Those results indicated that 43 percent of likely Democratic Primary voters favor Charlie Crist, with 33 percent picking Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, and 15 percent liking State Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Tallahassee). Only about 8 percent of respondents started out unsure.
However, the poll also asked about a specific provision of the Parental Rights in Education bill.
The poll asked: “Should students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade be taught about sexual orientation in the classroom by their teachers?”
The results indicated that 52 percent of Democrat voters answered “Somewhat No” or “Definitely No,” while 36 percent answered “Somewhat Yes” or “Definitely Yes.” There were 12 percent who answered ‘Not Sure.”
The survey results also showed that 36 percent of Democrat voters answered “Definitely No” and 18 percent answered “Definitely Yes.”
The poll’s findings are inconsistent with statements by high-level Democrat officials which indicate overwhelming opposition to the bill.
For example, The White House said the bill was a ‘form of bullying’ hours after it was passed, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki, 43, saying it ‘would discriminate against families, against kids, put these kids in a position of not getting the support they need at a time where that’s exactly what they need.'”
President Biden branded the bill as ‘hateful’.
In addition, the Florida Democratic Party said last week that it is moving its major fundraising event from a Disney World venue due to pressure from the LGBTQ community related to their lack of opposition to the bill.
The move comes after the Florida Democratic Party’s LGBTQ caucus called on candidates to oppose the party’s gala at Disney. This move was quickly supported by gubernatorial candidates Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist.
The bill, which has passed the legislature, is waiting for DeSantis to take action. DeSantis has said he will sign the bill. The bill would take effect July 1.
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Steve Stewart is a senior contributor at The Florida Capital Star.
