New York mayor Adams launches Florida ads denouncing law against LBGTQ talk in schools

New York Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced the launch of digital billboards across Florida denouncing that state’s law that bans most classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and urging the LGBTQ community to move to New York City.

Signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 28, the Republican-backed law takes effect in July and prohibits classroom discussion on sexual orientation or gender identity for children in kindergarten through third grade, or from about ages 5-9, in public schools.

Adams, a Democrat, called the Parental Rights in Education law – dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by opponents – “the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community.” He assured Floridians that New York City welcomed the LGBTQ+ community.

“Come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” Adams said in a statement.

“Today, we say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City.”