In response to a decision made earlier this year, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it would interpret discrimination based on sex according to sexual orientation and gender identity, Arizona Congresswoman Debbie Lesko has introduced the Protecting Kids, Protecting Lunches Act.
Lesko’s bill, cosponsored by Congressman Paul Gosar, would prohibit the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture from denying funding for federal school meal programs to schools that do not promote what she calls the “Far-Left’s gender ideology.”
“I am deeply concerned that the Department of Agriculture could weaponize funding for children in need to advance the gender ideology of the radical Left,” said Lesko. “We have already seen proof that biological boys in girls’ school bathrooms threatens girls’ safety. I am proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that the Department of Agriculture cannot withhold funding for school meals because these schools refuse to allow boys in girls’ bathrooms, locker rooms, sports, or showers.”
Lesko’s legislation prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from requiring that schools define sex-segregated spaces on the basis of gender identity, not biological sex, as a condition of receiving federal funding for free and low-cost meals for economically disadvantaged students.
Lesko’s legislation is supported by Family Research Council and the Independent Women’s Forum.