Senators Scott Martin and Ryan Aument have announced plans to introduce a bill to address discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in Pennsylvania schools. In a press release from Martin’s official website, the senators said the proposal addresses both senators’ concerns. received from parents that age-inappropriate conversations about these sensitive topics are happening prematurely and without their knowledge. “Some of these discussions that concerned parents have brought to our attention are formal and teacher-led, while others are organic and student-initiated,” the two senators said. “But many of these discussions take place without the knowledge or consent of the parents, and we believe that is wrong. Parents have the fundamental right to decide on the upbringing, moral, ideological and religious of their children without unreasonable government interference in the classroom which would compromise this right. According to the senators’ website, the proposal includes several key elements, including banning classroom teachings about gender identity and sexual orientation for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It also prohibits schools from withholding any information from parents in accordance with applicable and state laws. The senators said their bill would not ban all discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in school settings. Teachers could also have conversations and offer support services for LGBTQ students. At the moment, there is no deadline for the official tabling of the bill. For more information, click here.