Kansas bill would allow parents against LGBTQ teachings to receive tax dollars for private or home schooling – New York Daily News

GOP lawmakers in Kansas want to allow parents who object to teachings about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools to use state tax dollars to pay for private or home schooling.

The proposal, which is set to be available online Tuesday, would allow parents to remove kids from schools over concerns about what is taught on sexuality — in contrast with Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which bars the inclusion of LGBTQ+ teachings in early primary education.

Critics also point out that it would take much-needed funds from public schools in favor of private and home schools.

House Rep. Kristey Williams, who introduced the bill in the House, said she hopes to hold hearings on the proposal as early as next week.

The Republican lawmaker, who serves as chair of the K-12 spending committee, said her plan is “the perfect answer” for parents who don’t agree with what their kids learn about LGBTQ issues or racism.

In Kansas, parents can only move kids to a different school if they can afford the extra costs associated with it. “But with choice, it gives freedom to choose the best and most appropriate education, the best and most appropriate type of environment,” Williams said.

Opponents, including Kansas State Board of Education member Ann Mah, say “school choice” is not the best option for students in the state.

“What Kansas parents want is strong public schools,” Mah told KSNT News Sunday.

Earlier this month, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the state Republican party planned to intensify its focus on LGBTQ issues — including proposals seeking to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth and restrictions on what public schools could teach regarding gender identity and sexual orientation.

Masterson referred to the GOP effort as a way to tackle “the sexualized, woke agenda” in public schools.

He later appeared to soften his tone, telling The Associated Press on Monday he was talking about “school choice.”

“Probably the only way to ultimately handle it, right, is to have choices for parents,” he said.

Kansas’ proposal comes as several states consider similar measures across the country.

Last week, Utah Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill allowing parents of students who want to attend a public school to use state tax dollars to “choose the education setting best suited to their child.”

Critics said the law — which passed despite opposition by Democrats — could lead to reduced funding for public schools.

With News Wire Services

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