Will It Be Illegal for Little Girls to Talk About Their Periods?

Florida Republicans are legislating against any talk about menstruation until after many girls have begun their periods

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Florida State Rep. Stan McClain has introduced a bill that would make it illegal for teachers and their students in grades 1 through 5 to talk about menstruation.

Menstruation — for all you guys who don’t know this — commonly begins about age 12 but not unusually begins .

Imagine it: Susie, 8 years old and in second grade, takes part in a read-aloud. “I am reading ‘Mr. Pants,’ today,” she announces. The teacher nods approvingly. The book is on the recommended reading list in Broward County, Florida, for ages 8 and 9.

Susie stands and walks to the front of the class amid an unusual silence. Never mind “Mr.” pants; every one of her classmates can see what will become a monthly situation for “Mrs.” pants but is a shocker now.

Susie turns toward her classmates, book in hand, and sees her best friend, Johnny, with his finger still pointing at … well, this is Florida where it’s illegal to say what he’s pointing at. Susie bends over, sees blood, and screams.