York County News

In Harrisburg, a group of House members introduced a legislative package designed to protect freedom of speech and conscience. The proposed bills focus on addressing concerns related to compelled speech, ensuring individuals can exercise their First Amendment rights without facing discrimination or retribution. The legislators involved in this initiative include Representatives Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), and Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester).

“These bills support freedom of speech and overall parental authority, especially when speaking with children,” stated Leadbeter. He emphasized the importance of protecting families from what he described as government officials and bureaucrats pushing divisive agendas. Leadbeter further expressed his commitment to fighting for parental rights daily.

The legislative package proposes several measures: granting civil immunity to parents who refuse to use their child's preferred pronouns or consent to gender-affirming medical services, providing similar immunity to individuals who refuse to use another person's preferred pronouns, preventing courts from considering a parent's refusal to acknowledge a child's preferred pronouns in custody matters, and prohibiting school districts from disciplining teachers who do not use a student's preferred pronouns.

“No person should be taken to court for refusing to use a pronoun for a person that does not correspond to their biological gender,” said Kauffman. He stressed that the legislation aims to protect individual freedom of speech without subjecting people to legal pressures tied to social narratives.

D’Orsie added, “What can’t fade into the periphery is that this package of bills is about free speech and defending parents and teachers.” He criticized what he perceived as media bias against those questioning certain agendas and underscored that First Amendment rights take precedence over social activism.