On Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban teachers in grades 6-8 of Alabama public schools from teaching LGBTQ+ ideas.

HB130 The bill is sponsored by state Assemblyman Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City.

In 2022, the Alabama Legislature and Governor Kay Ivey signed a law deeming it inappropriate for Alabama public schools to teach gender ideology in grades K-5. The bill originally “prohibits the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation in public K-12 schools.”

At the request of the Alabama Department of Education, Governor Butler agreed to an amendment to apply the law only through eighth grade.

“We have documented instances where policies like this are being taught,” Butler said. “Most parents don't want teachers teaching this stuff. They want math teachers to teach math and science teachers to teach science.”

The bill had been on hold due to disagreements with State Department of Education (SDE) officials, who wanted sexual orientation to continue being taught in high school health classes.

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Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) introduced an amendment to the bill that was approved by the SDE.

“They said up until eighth grade it's fine,” Butler said of SDE and the bill.

Democrats strongly opposed the bill.

“How does it feel to hear that your bill will lead to kids committing suicide,” said Rep. Philip Ensler (D-Montgomery). “It makes it clear that Congress is anti-gay,” he said. “I can't believe they would pass a bill that could lead to kids committing suicide.”

“If I'm on the school board and I'm hiring teachers, I want them to know what to teach,” Butler said. “The Bible can be used as a literature book, and it can be used as a history book. The important thing is that the curriculum comes from the state department of education.”

Butler denied claims that the bill targets the LGBTQ+ community.

“Let kids be kids,” Butler said. “This bill was born out of love, not hate.”

Governor Ensler has introduced numerous gun control bills that would be difficult to pass in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

“We're wasting our time on these myths when so many of our constituents want us to address the real issues facing them,” Ensler said indignantly.

“It's not the school's job to sexualize children,” said Rep. Ernie Yarborough (R-Trinity). “Our job is to stand up for what's right as the adults in the room, and the sooner we act, the better off our country will be.”

“I have a lot of friends who are gay. In fact, some of my best friends are gay,” said Rep. Juandalyn Givan (D-Birmingham). “I'm concerned about this bill and I'm hopeful that businesses can come together and put a stop to some of this nonsense.”

Givan warned that the bill would have unintended consequences if passed.

“What is the purpose of this bill?” asked Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham).

“To focus on my schoolwork,” Butler replied.

Mr Lafferty asked Mr Butler whether teachers with personal issues could speak to their own teachers.

“Students can talk to teachers, but teachers can't direct it,” Butler said.

“I don't think there's anybody in this Congress who doesn't want to protect children,” Rafferty said.

“I want schools to prepare us for 21-year-olds.^st “It's the job of the century,” Butler said. “We're not trying to brainwash kids.”

“This bill simply extends the prohibition that is already in place for kindergarten through fifth grade to grades five through eight,” Butler said.

Lafferty offered an amendment to limit the bill to gender transition instruction.

Butler asked the House to introduce the Lafferty amendment, and the House responded. HB 130 passed on a near party-line vote of 74-25. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. Wednesday was the House's committee day, and Thursday marks the 25th day of the 2024 legislative session.

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