GOP lawmakers introduce version of 'Don't Say Gay' bill in Ohio

Ohio Republicans have introduced their version of the "Don't Say Gay" bill that also includes restrictions against race education.

Ohio Republicans introduced a House bill on Monday prohibiting "divisive or inherently racist" curriculum and banning instruction that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. The proposal is now facing backlash from local LGBTQ advocates.

The bill combines language from Florida's controversial Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed by critics as the "Don't Say Gay" law, and anti-critical race theory legislation proposed by Republicans in some states.

The bill states that "curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity" would be banned in classrooms starting from kindergarten through third grade.

In grades four through twelve, such instruction would be banned if presented in "any manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards," the bill reads.