Florida HB 599, Gender Identity Employment Practices Targets Non-Profit and Others

Florida Proposed HB 599 targets non-profits and others on LGBTQ+ Employment training and pronoun usage: OtherPhoto byPalmCoastLocal.com

One controversial provision in Florida HB 599 has drawn strong criticism from advocates.

It appears to restrict nonprofit organizations specifically serving LGBTQ+ individuals from receiving any state funding. The bill states that it is an unlawful employment practice for a nonprofit organization or an employer receiving state funding to mandate any training, instruction, or other activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment.

State Representative Ryan Chamberlin has introduced a bill, HB 599, in Florida that could have significant implications for how nonprofits in the state handle matters related to LGBTQ+ individuals. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the consideration of an individual's gender identity or sexual orientation when competing for state contracts or grants.

The bill aims to prevent the termination of employees who refuse to use preferred pronouns that do not align with the individual's gender assigned at birth. It explicitly states that the state's official policy recognizes gender as assigned at birth, corresponding to the individual's original internal and external sex organs.

This provision has sparked immediate backlash from LGBTQ advocates, with some likening it to a "don't say gay" law for nonprofits. Critics argue that it could effectively prohibit all LGBTQ nonprofits in the state from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity, prompting concerns about the stifling of crucial conversations.

Representative Anna Eskamani criticized the bill on social media, suggesting that it could essentially eliminate organizations like Equality Florida. X, (formally Twitter) from @AnnaForFlorida

Rep. Anna V. Eskamani via X, tweets Nov 21, 2023 about proposed HB 599: How it may effect Florida Equality.Photo byX

Gender Identity Employment Practices: Specifies employment policy of state relating to person's sex; prohibits employees & contractors of certain employers from being required to use, from providing, & from being asked to provide certain titles & pronouns; prohibits employees & contractors from being penalized or subjected to certain actions for not providing certain titles & pronouns; prohibits adverse personnel action on basis of deeply held religious or biology-based beliefs; provides administrative & civil remedies; provides that it is unlawful employment practice for nonprofit organization to require certain training, instruction, or activity.Effective Date: July 1, 2024Last Event: Filed on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 8:25 AM

This legislation marks the second bill introduced by Representative Ryan Chamberlin, who assumed office in a Special Election in May. The bill follows a parental rights in education bill passed in 2022, commonly referred to as the "don't say gay bill," authored by former state Rep. Joe Harding. The controversy surrounding Harding's bill centered on its restrictions on instruction related to gender orientation and sexual identity in Florida classrooms.

What are your opinions on this proposed HB 599 and how it may be used? Let us know in the comments and how it may or may not effect you. To keep us relevant please like this article and follow me for more.