DISGRACED ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ SPONSOR PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD SCHEME

Former state representative Joe Harding, the architect behind Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, pleaded guilty to three federal charges of fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief loans.

The Ocala Republican was indicted in December on two counts each of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements. Harding originally pleaded not guilty to the charges, but negotiated a plea deal announced on March 21.

“In pleading guilty, the defendant acknowledges that were this case to go to trial, the government would present evidence to support the charges beyond a reasonable doubt,” the plea deal read.

In February of 2021, Harding received $150,000 in pandemic assistance. On his application for a federal Economic Disaster Injury loan, Harding claimed his company had four employees and gross revenues of

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High School Event Featuring Drag Queen Canceled

Momma Ashley Rose, an Orlando-area drag queen, had no plans to perform at a high school in central Florida – just speak to students from the LGBT club.

But even that was too much for some parents. The event, “Drag and Donuts” at Boone High School, was canceled after complaints.

“It’s just donuts y’all. It’s just donuts,” Rose told WESH. “It’s an after-school club. They can invite a sports person to come in and speak to a sports team. What’s the difference in inviting a queer person to speak to the queer youth?”

The principal of the school sent this message to families.

“The event ‘Drag and Donuts’ was not a drag show but an opportunity for students to hear a positive message of acceptance. This was to be the third year that the speaker would address this club. After receiving a call from the Florida Department of Education today, we have canceled the event. The Department questioned whether the event was age and developmentally appropriate and indicated any administrator, teacher, or staff member in attendance may be investigated and jeopardize their professional license.” more than $420,000.

He later admitted to investigators of lying on the application, knowing his company had been dormant.

Shortly after his indictment, Harding resigned the District 24 house seat, which covers southwest Marion County. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wasted no time in scheduling a special election with a winner to be declared May 16.

Before his fraud scheme was caught, Harding orchestrated what is now the Parental Rights In Education law, which bans classroom instruction on gender and sexuality in public school grades kindergarten through third grade. Republicans in Tallahassee are currently working on proposals to expand the law to 12th grade.

A sentencing hearing for Harding is scheduled for July 25 in Gainesville.