Statement on the Signing of SB 1134
- Nathan Sharp
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
The LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus of the Nature Coast Region (NCR LGBTQ Dems).
Contact: Nathan Sharp
Phone: (954) 706-1144
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1134 into law, a sweeping measure that targets diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the local level and strips communities of their ability to respond to the needs of their own residents.
This law prohibits counties and municipalities from funding or supporting programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, voids existing local policies, and even exposes local officials to penalties for actions deemed to violate its broad restrictions. It goes further by banning funding for DEI offices or staff and restricting how public dollars can be used by contractors and partners.
Let’s be clear about what this means: decisions that should be made by local communities are now dictated by the state. Programs that support inclusion, cultural competency, and equal access are being erased with a single stroke. And the people most affected will be those already navigating barriers to opportunity and representation.
This is not about efficiency or accountability. It is about control.
Local governments are closest to the people they serve. They understand the unique challenges facing their communities, whether that means addressing disparities in healthcare, supporting LGBTQ+ residents, or ensuring all families feel welcome and represented. This law undermines that work and replaces it with a rigid, one-size-fits-all mandate from Tallahassee.
We will not be silent as these protections are dismantled. We will continue to advocate, organize, and fight for policies that reflect the fundamental truth that every person deserves dignity, fairness, and the opportunity to thrive.
The work does not stop here.
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