Katie Kerekes, FISM News
Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine has criticized legislation that prohibits educators from private discussions surrounding sexuality with children.
In a video posted to Twitter, Levine suggests that the Florida Parental Rights in Education Bill is a “gag rule,” that prevents “[LGBT] kids from accessing supportive adults.”
“One supportive adult for an LGBTQI+ kid can make all the difference in terms of preventing suicide,” said Levine, a male who identifies as a woman. “I’d love it if that was always the parent, but it’s not always a parent. Frequently it’s a teacher, or a guidance counselor, or some other coach, or another school personnel.”
Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill (HB 1557) prevents educators from discussing sexuality with K-3 students. @HHS_ASH is critical that the bill prevents students from finding “one supportive adult” that is “not always the parent, frequently it’s a teacher..” pic.twitter.com/vAqWOaxwv5
— Megan Brock (@MegEBrock) February 15, 2023
In a move that bolstered national support, Governor Ron Desantis made headlines last year for signing House Bill 1557 into Florida law. The legislation “reinforces parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children,” according to a news release on the governor’s website.
“The bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through 3rd grade and prohibits instruction that is not age appropriate for students,” the website states. “[It also] requires school districts to adopt procedures for notifying parents if there is a change in services from the school regarding a child’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being.”
But Levine, who was nominated by President Joe Biden for his current position with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), takes a more critical approach to the law, which he labeled with the misnomer “Don’t Say Gay.”
“This law forbids kids essentially from talking to … these people. Also, it means that if you tell a teacher, the teacher has to tell the parent. And so it really is … a gag rule. It’s a gag law to prevent kids from accessing supportive adults.”
At the center of controversy since taking public office, Levine has more recently sparked backlash amongst conservatives nationwide for calling on big tech to censor any “misinformation” on “gender-affirming care,” purporting it as “dangerous to public health.”
Author’s Biblical Analysis
The first three books of the new testament recount Jesus’ position on any destructive influence over innocent children. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all contain a grave depiction of the severity of such offenses to God.
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! – Matthew 18:6-7
In the book of Isaiah, yet another instance is recorded of the Lord’s strong detest toward authors of confusion and evil, such as those who support or facilitate gender dysphoria in the young, impressionable minds of children.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!” – Isaiah 5:20-21
Fortunately, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer. To all who have sinned and fallen short, repentance and turning away from the sin that so easily ensnares us, and following the One who gave the ultimate sacrifice will save us from the fate we were destined to endure.