NYC's We Say Gay Ads Spur Florida Governor Anti-Mask Rant

NEW YORK, NY — A New York City campaign to welcome LGBTQ Floridians discouraged by that state's "Don't Say Gay" law has spurred a pointed rant from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"They're saying you can say whatever you want," the Florida governor said Tuesday. "But they’re the ones who will force a mask on your face and muzzle you in public."

The bizarre response came in an unrelated news conference about Florida's infrastructure, where DeSantis compared New York and Florida's budgets.

It followed Mayor Eric Adams' announcement that New York City will set up five billboards in Florida to denounce the state's newly passed "Don't Say Gay" bill, and highlight the Big Apple's welcoming of the LGBTQ community.

"New York is doing billboards telling people come to New York from Florida — they’re wasting taxpayer money on doing that," DeSantis said, incorrectly claiming New York City was using taxpayer dollars for the campaign, which is set up through donations.

"They still make toddlers wear masks in New York," the Florida governor continued, noting officials' decision to hold off on lifting mask mandates for children under 5 years old, given rising COVID-19 cases.

The New York City-organized billboards will run for eight weeks in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach starting Monday, officials said. The artwork will also be spread on social media.

The "Don't Say Gay" bill — which bans instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade — was signed into law by DeSantis last week.

The law also bans such lessons that are not "age-appropriate" or "developmentally appropriate" for older students.

Supporters claim it protects children from exposure to harmful ideas. American Principles Project president Terry Schilling told The Guardian the legislation is "necessary to protect children and their innocence."

But human rights advocates contend the bill represents a targeted attack on the LGBTQ community, and they have garnered the support of Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who has reportedly promised to help have the law repealed.

Adams said Monday the signs are meant to send a message to Floridians concerned by the law.

"We say to the families living in fear of this state-sponsored discrimination that you will always have a home in New York City," Adams said.

"Come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want."