Tulsa senator proposes bill protecting parent discussions with child about gender identity
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A senator out of Tulsa plans to file a legislation that would ensure parents remain in control of conversations and actions when it comes to their child's gender identity and sexual orientation.
Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, said the legislation requires that district school boards put procedures in place to notify parents of any change or issues their child is having related to their mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being. The measure is intended to encourage discussions between parents and their children regarding their current conditions and concerns. School personnel would be responsible for recommending students have these conversations at home with their parent or legal guardian.
"Children are in school to learn, not be indoctrinated through inappropriate conversations that do not follow state standards," Rogers said. "The health and safety of students is a top priority, and this bill ensures that parents, school staff and the student are all on the same page about what is best for the child's wellbeing."
The bill would also prohibit classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for kindergarten through 3rd grade. School personnel or third parties would not be able to have discussions that were not age or developmentally appropriate in any K-12 classroom. Under this legislation, parents of K-3rd grade students would be provided any questionnaire or health screening forms and must consent to the form before it is passed out to their child.
"This measure ultimately ensures that parents have rights and know what their children are being exposed to at school," Rogers said. "The bill relates to sensitive topics that are outside of approved state curriculum, and the intent is not to treat students differently based on how they identify."
The deadline to file legislation ahead of the 2023 session is Jan. 19. The session formally convenes on Feb. 6.
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