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Education committee holds lengthy public hearing on HB244, which would restrict classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation
Summary
House Bill 244 drew nearly a dozen speakers in a public hearing. Proponents said the bill protects age‑appropriate instruction and parental authority; opponents — including parents, veterans, medical professionals and LGBTQ residents — said the bill is overbroad, harmful to students and likely to face legal challenges.
Representative Butler introduced House Bill 244 and opened a public hearing. "HB 244 is basically what we passed last year with a couple of tweaks… It prohibits classroom discussion and instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation and adds pronouns and related insignia," Butler said, noting the bill now applies pre‑K through 12 to align with a recent federal executive order.
Public comment lasted more than an hour and included two proponents and about ten opponents. Opponents described HB 244 as unconstitutional, harmful to vulnerable students and likely to be struck down in court. "HB 244's restrictions on speech are downright Orwellian and unconstitutional," said Susan Stewart of Huntsville, who asked…
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