Florida Republicans Advance Bill to Ban 'Political Viewpoint' Flags in Government Buildings and Schools

Critics Argue the Bill, Which Targets Flags Representing Partisan, Racial, Sexual Orientation and Gender Viewpoints, Fosters Intolerance and Continues the State's Anti-LGBTQ Agenda

Florida Republicans have advanced a bill that would ban the display of flags that represent a 'political viewpoint', including those that are 'politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint' in government buildings and schools.
The bill, HB 901, was introduced by state Rep. David Borrero (R-Sweetwater) and Rep. Randy Fine (R-Brevard County) and has been approved in a 9-5 vote along party lines in the Republican-led House's subcommittee on constitutional rights, rule of law and government operations.
The proposal has drawn opposition from the LGBTQ community and Democrats, who argue that it fosters intolerance and is a continuation of the state's recent anti-LGBTQ laws.
Under the bill, flags of sovereign states recognized by the U.S. could be displayed in a classroom, but flags such as the Palestinian flag, which the U.S. does not recognize, would be prohibited.
The bill still needs to pass one more committee before being considered by the full chamber. A similar Senate bill has not been scheduled for a hearing.