Anti-queer law may become sad reality in Georgia, too
America is considered the "land of opportunity. Currently, however, it looks as if the rights of queers will also be severely restricted in the US state of Georgia. Among other things, in recent days and weeks there have been repeated reports about anti-queer laws in other states, for example in Texas or in Florida. For example, the "Don't say Gay" law there is supposed to ensure that children and young people are not confronted with queer content in school. Should the Georgia law actually be passed, however, it would "step it up anotch". That's because: it's not just aimed at members of the community, but also at People of Color.
What's behind the Georgia bill?
The bill states, among other things, that teachers should be prevented from talking about gender identities with children who are simply not old enough to do so. It also says that there should not be too much focus on racial identities, as this is simply "destructive" to American society. Some parts even come from Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. Among other things, it states that "discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity" is not allowed in any private school or in any nonpublic school in the early grades. Appropriate discussions also may not be encouraged if they are "not appropriate to the age and developmental level of the student."
Many critics were also struck not only by the homophobic content of the law, but also by the fact that the curricula of private schools were also to be influenced. Accordingly, a boundary would be crossed here that was almost always observed in the past.
Law also aims to prevent critical race theory, among other things
Behind so-called critical race theory is a willingness to address the disadvantages that - even today - many people suffer because of racism. Many People of Color are still disadvantaged in the American education system. If you are aware of this, you can do something about it in different ways, but if the topic is hushed up, you will secretly continue to tolerate the racism that is practiced.
The theory behind the whole thing is difficult to comprehend. After all, proponents of the new law say that addressing the issues they so vehemently want to exclude would promote racism and homophobia.
Who is in favor of the new law?
This is a question that many members of the LGBTQI+ community around the world are currently asking themselves. The "Don't say Gay" law, which - in the case of Georgia - includes even more racist statements, is welcomed by Republicans in particular. Moreover, many conservative Americans would also like to see the new regulations waved through yesterday rather than tomorrow.
In the coming days, the advertising drum is likely to be beaten even more in this context. In May, the primary elections will be held in the U.S. state, followed by the parliamentary elections in the fall. Let's hope that in the coming days, weeks and months more and more people will realize that it is important not to keep quiet about the existence of racism and homophobia and that ignoring these issues would only divide society even more.
Already knew that the scene would like to see more diversity in advertising