The "Don't Say Gay" may have limited reach in basis of law, but it is being applied more broadly than written. Schools aren't allowed to having programming that includes any LGBTQI+ basis, but that also means any refuting of info (I'd say data, but it isn't, it's crap) in books or materials, can't be made ("Well, no Timmy, the book says all gays are pedophiles, but in reality, there is no data to support it" and that commentary cannot be made by teachers to kids in any way). That may not apply to any CON directly, but indirectly, that means any CON or 501(c)3 couldn't rent an auditorium from a school or school adjacent, if they *allow* a book that is objectionable by lawmakers, into things like Hugo Awards or a speaker about said book. Not the "intention" of the law, but it is how the writers are happy to have it interpreted. They also are doing great things like "taking this into consideration" and taking months to even take it up, thus delaying a decision past the event date.
We also have to mention "Drag Queen" reading hours or BINGO, those aren't allowed for children in the state, nor can they use school grounds, or so I'm told that is how the law is being interpreted by friends who sadly, live in such a repressed state without many options. While it may not be a part of the law, that is how it is being enforced. A friend tried to attend a gay BINGO night and it was shut down by local police for a variety of reasons, but the basis was that they were gay, and even though no children were involved, the police were going to, ala 1950's style, shut down "those f*gs" and beat the crap out of them if they had to arrested every last one of "them" just to harass them and ruin their night. Again, not the explicit intent of the written law, but the writers are more than happy to have it work out that way.
The laws will likely eventually be struck down when the cases get to a high enough court, but for now, this is what stands. As with some of the more recent laws struck in Texas, they are working through the courts, but that takes time and money or a host of good pro bono attorneys.
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timeasmymeasure
Don't Say Gay etc
Date: 2024-01-21 06:37 pm (UTC)We also have to mention "Drag Queen" reading hours or BINGO, those aren't allowed for children in the state, nor can they use school grounds, or so I'm told that is how the law is being interpreted by friends who sadly, live in such a repressed state without many options. While it may not be a part of the law, that is how it is being enforced. A friend tried to attend a gay BINGO night and it was shut down by local police for a variety of reasons, but the basis was that they were gay, and even though no children were involved, the police were going to, ala 1950's style, shut down "those f*gs" and beat the crap out of them if they had to arrested every last one of "them" just to harass them and ruin their night. Again, not the explicit intent of the written law, but the writers are more than happy to have it work out that way.
The laws will likely eventually be struck down when the cases get to a high enough court, but for now, this is what stands. As with some of the more recent laws struck in Texas, they are working through the courts, but that takes time and money or a host of good pro bono attorneys.