Indianapolis, Indiana – House Bill 1608, written by Rep. Michelle Davis, R-District 58, was approved by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb on Thursday. One of the 91 bills signed yesterday was HB 1608. One of the 252 total legislation enacted since the start of the session in January, House Bill 1608, forbids instructors from instructing Hoosiers in pre-kindergarten through third grade about human sexuality. On April 24, lawmakers passed HB 1608 with a vote of 63-29.
Pronouns and gender identity are covered by a contentious clause of the bill that mandates schools to inform parents or guardians within five days if an unemancipated minor request to use a different name or set of pronouns while attending school.
The bill’s initial form called for parental approval before a student could use a name or set of pronouns other than those given to them at birth, but that provision was removed on April 24. Another revision eliminated a different clause of the measure that would have shielded educators from punishment if they refused to use a student’s preferred pronouns or name out of respect for their religion.
Although the law forbids instructors from discussing sexuality with pupils until the third grade, it does not stop school staff members from answering direct inquiries from students regarding gender and sexuality.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana issued a statement on Thursday denouncing the bill’s signing and asserting that the word “human sexuality” is ambiguous.
“Not every child can be their true selves at home without risking their physical or emotional well-being,” ACLU of Indiana advocacy and public policy director Katie Blair said in the statement. “Our schools should protect all students — including LGBTQ students — so they can learn and thrive in a safe environment.”
Since the bill’s introduction, the ACLU has been opposing it, notably by holding a rally at the Indiana Statehouse on February 20. The measure sends a terrible message to LGBTQ+ Hoosiers, protesters yelled as they chanted “We say gay!”
