Kelly supports bill to protect parental rights

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) signed on as an original cosponsor of a Republican-backed bill that would prohibit federal education funds from being provided to elementary schools that do not require teachers to obtain written parental consent prior to teaching lessons related to gender identity, sexual orientation or transgender studies.

“I am increasingly concerned about our youngest children being taught an inappropriate agenda that includes gender and sexual orientation studies,” Rep. Kelly said. “Parents should be made aware of such teachings and have a say in whether they want their child to be exposed to these conversations. This legislation puts the power back in parents’ hands, and I am proud to support their voice.”

The My Child, My Choice Act of 2022, H.R. 7662, which is sponsored by Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), would require that if more than 50 percent of a class does not consent, the lesson may not be taught, according to the bill’s text. If less than 50 percent do not consent, the school must provide those students whose parents did not consent with an alternative period of learning.

If enacted, H.R. 7662 also would permit a written report to be submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education anytime an infringement of this policy occurs, and if the Secretary determines the school or teacher did not comply with the bill’s requirements, then the school would lose federal funds for the following school year, the text says.

Among the members who joined Rep. Kelly as a cosponsor of the bill are U.S. Reps. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Billy Long (R-MO), and Mike Bost (R-IL).