Background: House Bill 130 seeks to expand a ban passed by the Alabama state legislature in 2022 that prevents classroom instruction on the topics of “sexual orientation or gender identity” “in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards” to public school students in kindergarten to fifth grade. This time, HB130 would extend the ban from kindergarten all the way to twelfth grade. HB130 would also expand the existing ban to prohibit any discussion or instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in Alabama’s public schools.
Our Position: We oppose HB130. The ACLU of Alabama supports allowing inclusive discussion and instruction in the classroom on topics like sexual orientation and gender identity. The “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Alabama schools already prevents the education on and acceptance of LGBTQ students in classrooms. Expanding this ban from fifth grade to twelfth grade and prohibiting discussion on the topic in all of Alabama’s public schools pushes back education in a state where there is already significant need for our students. If HB130 passes, it will rid classrooms and students in the state of Alabama of inclusive discussion that is essential at all stages of life.
