F1's Lewis Hamilton criticizes Florida law limiting gender identity lessons in public schools

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Formula One star Lewis Hamilton defied FIA rules and spoke out about what has been dubbed "Don’t Say Gay" laws in Florida as the sport prepares for the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend.

Florida legislators passed a parental rights bill that progressives have claimed is anti-LGBTQ and have continuously pushed the narrative. The bill, officially named "Parental Rights in Education," bans school employees or third parties from giving classroom instruction on "sexual orientation" or "gender identity" in all grades.

The opposition to the bill falsely claims it bans any discussion pertaining to being gay in the state's schools.

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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, left, talks to Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton during a press conference at the Baku circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Thursday, April 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Hamilton, who is from Britain, likened the legislation to the oppression seen in Saudi Arabia.

"It’s not good at all," he said Thursday. "I stand by those within the community here. I hope they continue to stand firm and push back. I’ll have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different to when we were in Saudi."

Hamilton would not go as far as urge F1 to skip races in Florida because of social policies.

"It’s not for me to decide something like that," he said. "I did hear and have read about some of the decisions that have been made in government here and I do not agree with it and I do not support it. I really do continue to stand with the LGBTQ community and I’m wearing a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend and I just really want to continue to support the community