Protests continue against Florida 'Don't Say Gay' bill

Activists say the bill will negatively impact the well-being of LGBTQ youth.

Demonstrators gathered in front of and inside the Florida State Capitol on Monday to stop the legislation that has been dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

"We say gay," they chanted, the sound echoing throughout the halls as they anticipated a vote on the bill expected Monday.

Speeches and chants were held throughout the day as the Florida Senate debated the legislation. However, the crowd fell silent when a youth organizer read off a list of names of LGBTQ people who have died by suicide after experiencing anti-LGBTQ hate.

"When you come to our schools to instill hate, bigotry, and fear, we will stand up, speak up, and fight back," Maxx Fenning, founder of the LGBTQ youth advocacy organization PRISM, said at the protest. "Our passion knows no distance and we will never be silenced!”