This story is part of our new Quick Hits series. This series will bring you breaking news and short updates from throughout the state.
Update 3/7/24 at 11:58 a.m. — Gov. Gordon has allowed SF 9 to pass into law without his signature.
A bill that will prevent Wyoming school districts from conducting lessons on sexual orientation or gender identity without permission from parents is heading to Gov. Mark Gordon's desk.
It also requires educators to notify parents about other issues like drastic changes in students’ physical, mental or emotional health.
An amendment from Rep. Sarah Penn (R-Fort Washakie) added a permission requirement for classes on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Those who oppose it say the language in it is overly broad, and could interfere with basic instruction in Wyoming classrooms if topics happen to touch on those subjects.
The bill contains an exception so that nothing in the legislation can stop a school from keeping secrets from parents, if there’s a reasonable belief the child will be abused otherwise.
In a letter explaining his decision not to sign it, Gordon criticized the legislation as being unnecessary given that many of the bill’s aims are already outlined in Wyoming law.
In Wyoming, a bill can either be signed into law by the governor, vetoed, or allowed to pass into law without a signature.
The ACLU of Wyoming says this new law could force educators to “out” LGBTQ+ students to their parents.
This reporting was made possible by a grant from the Corporation For Public Broadcasting, supporting state government coverage in the state. Wyoming Public Media and Jackson Hole Community Radio are partnering to cover state issues both on air and online.
