Ohio's Don't Say Gay Bill Is Now Law And Professor Jerry Coyne FAFO
01/15/25 • 44 min
Ohio’s recent legislative developments have sparked significant controversy. The state’s governor signed a "Don't Say Gay" bill into law, which not only limits discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in schools but also permits a Christian Nationalist group to remove children to bible study in the middle of the school day. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled that using preferred pronouns constitutes a violation of the First Amendment, deepening the national debate on LGBTQ+ rights. Professor Jerry Coyne has come under fire for his use of biological arguments to justify discrimination, while in a positive turn, a Trans woman has been appointed to a city council, offering a glimmer of hope amid these challenges. These events reflect the growing cultural and legal tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, free speech, and the role of religion in public education.
We start with the contentious signing of a "Don't Say Gay" bill into law by Ohio’s governor, which has drawn sharp criticism for not only silencing conversations around sexual orientation in schools, especially for younger students, but also for enabling a Christian Nationalist group to indoctrinate public school children during school hours. The bill, now formalized under House Bill 8, imposes significant restrictions on discussing sexuality and mandates that educators inform parents of any changes in a student’s wellness services, particularly concerning their gender identity. The legislation aims to erase LGBTQ+ visibility while perpetuating a culture of fear and secrecy among students questioning their identities.
A federal judge's recent decision, which declared that requiring teachers to use transgender students' preferred pronouns violates First Amendment rights, characterized such requirements as coercive. We emphasizes the chilling effect this ruling has on educators and students alike, reinforcing stigma and hostility against transgender individuals. We also critique the rationale used by the judge, criticizing the failure to recognize the basic dignity and rights of individuals as a cornerstone of this democracy.
In a more hopeful turn, we celebrate a victory for representation as Arienne Childry, a trans woman, was appointed to the city council for St. Mary’s, Ohio. This appointment marks a significant milestone as it reflects the progress being made at local levels despite the oppressive legislative environment. We underscore the importance of having representatives who genuinely embody the values of inclusion and secular humanism within governmental structures, marking Childry's presence as a beacon of hope in a state riddled with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
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Ohio’s recent legislative developments have sparked significant controversy. The state’s governor signed a "Don't Say Gay" bill into law, which not only limits discussions on LGBTQ+ topics in schools but also permits a Christian Nationalist group to remove children to bible study in the middle of the school day. Meanwhile, a federal judge ruled that using preferred pronouns constitutes a violation of the First Amendment, deepening the national debate on LGBTQ+ rights. Professor Jerry Coyne has come under fire for his use of biological arguments to justify discrimination, while in a positive turn, a Trans woman has been appointed to a city council, offering a glimmer of hope amid these challenges. These events reflect the growing cultural and legal tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, free speech, and the role of religion in public education.
We start with the contentious signing of a "Don't Say Gay" bill into law by Ohio’s governor, which has drawn sharp criticism for not only silencing conversations around sexual orientation in schools, especially for younger students, but also for enabling a Christian Nationalist group to indoctrinate public school children during school hours. The bill, now formalized under House Bill 8, imposes significant restrictions on discussing sexuality and mandates that educators inform parents of any changes in a student’s wellness services, particularly concerning their gender identity. The legislation aims to erase LGBTQ+ visibility while perpetuating a culture of fear and secrecy among students questioning their identities.
A federal judge's recent decision, which declared that requiring teachers to use transgender students' preferred pronouns violates First Amendment rights, characterized such requirements as coercive. We emphasizes the chilling effect this ruling has on educators and students alike, reinforcing stigma and hostility against transgender individuals. We also critique the rationale used by the judge, criticizing the failure to recognize the basic dignity and rights of individuals as a cornerstone of this democracy.
In a more hopeful turn, we celebrate a victory for representation as Arienne Childry, a trans woman, was appointed to the city council for St. Mary’s, Ohio. This appointment marks a significant milestone as it reflects the progress being made at local levels despite the oppressive legislative environment. We underscore the importance of having representatives who genuinely embody the values of inclusion and secular humanism within governmental structures, marking Childry's presence as a beacon of hope in a state riddled with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
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Dad's Place Church: Zoning Disputes and the Fight for Religious Freedom
We dive into the recent tumult surrounding two significant topics affecting public policy and religious freedom in Ohio. The spotlight is first placed on LifeWise Academy's attempts to ingratiate itself into Ohio public schools, alongside the ongoing case involving Dad's Place Church in Bryan, Ohio, as the Ohio Attorney General, David Yost, enters the fray. With rising tensions and opposing viewpoints, Doug dissects these developments, providing new insights into the legal and social landscape of the state.
We get a comprehensive update on House Bill 8, a contentious piece of legislation that combines both anti-LGBT elements and provisions for Release Time Religious Instruction (RTRI). Doug reflects on the dynamics at play in the Ohio Senate's late-session debate, highlighting how amendments to the bill were pieced together amidst a growing coalition of concerned residents and advocacy groups opposed to the bill for one reason or another.
Moving on to the case of Dad's Place Church, we contextualize the ongoing legal struggles faced by Pastor Chris Avell, who operates a makeshift homeless shelter in his church. A prior agreement between the city and Avell fell apart due to the pastor’s lack of adherence to necessary zoning regulations.
The situation escalated as the city issued citations, resulting in a federal lawsuit propelled by the Christian nationalist legal organization First Liberty. We discuss how Yost's recent input in support of Avell raises critical questions about government interference in religious endeavors, especially in light of accusations that the city is selectively enforcing regulations against the church under the guise of public safety. We dissect Yost’s statements, questioning the narrative of animosity and exploitation that shapes the discourse around this case.
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So, How is that protest vote over Gaza working out for you?
We explore the troubling narrative surrounding President Trump’s administration and its move to shut down USAID, a crucial foreign aid agency established by President Kennedy. We highlight how the dismantling of USAID can severely undermine America's relationships with democratic allies, turning foreign policy into a transactional affair where friendship is bargained rather than earned.
We see how this aligns with the broader strategy laid out in Project 2025 – to eliminate foreign aid altogether, thereby creating a vacuum that could benefit adversaries like Russia and China. I also discuss the complexities of USAID's legacy, from humanitarian efforts to its controversial political ramifications, all in the context of a government that seems increasingly willing to sacrifice long-standing institutions in favor of short-term gains.
We then shift to Ohio Attorney General David Yost, who has announced his run for governor, embodying a brand of conservative politics that is deeply entrenched in hypocrisy and moral failure. We examine Yost’s record, from his opposition to reproductive rights to his role in targeting marginalized individuals while neglecting corporate misconduct. His political motivations, rooted in Christian nationalism and a disdain for progressive values, raise serious questions about his leadership potential and the implications for Ohio's future.
Finally, we discuss recent comments made by Trump regarding a proposed takeover of Gaza, exploring how such rhetoric reverberates through the Arab-American community and beyond. This segment connects to the consequence of political decisions leading to the rise and fall of candidate support, specifically focusing on the uncommitted movement within Michigan that emerged in response to dissatisfaction with Biden's policies and the fallout of their choices during the elections. The episode is a critical examination of how protest votes can inadvertently strengthen opponents, underscoring the need for strategic electoral engagement.
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Secular Left - Ohio's Don't Say Gay Bill Is Now Law And Professor Jerry Coyne FAFO
Transcript
[0:05] Ohio's governor signs a don't say gay bill into law that also allows a Christian nationalist group to indoctrinate children in public schools.
[0:14] A federal judge claims using preferred pronouns is a First Amendment violation. Professor Jerry Coyne is called on the carpet for using biology to justify discrimination. And in a bright spot, a trans woman is appointed to a city council. I'm Doug Berger. And this is Secular Left.
[0:41] Music.
[0:59] As we start a new year, some
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