Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the "Parental Rights in Education Act" into law during a visit to Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill. The bill bars instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity for young public-school students.

It is one of the most hotly-contested pieces of legislation drafted this session in Tallahassee. Critics have referred to it as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, adding that it sends "a message of hate" to Floridians. Meanwhile, supporters say it would bolster parental rights.

The proposal would require that instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity "may not occur" in kindergarten through third grade. For higher grade levels, the proposal calls for such instruction to be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate as determined by state academic standards.

DeSantis signed HB-1557 from the Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill. The school describes itself as providing traditional classical and liberal arts education from kindergarten to 12th grade.

"Shouldn’t parents know if that is something in the curriculum? They should have a voice in that. In Florida, we not only know that parents have a right to be involved, we insist that parents have a right to be involved," he said before those in attendance applauded.

The signing comes one day after the cohosts of the 94th Academy Awards took aim at the piece of legislation, which critics have called the "Don't Say Gay" bill.