TAMPA, Fla. — One day after being indicted on charges of money laundering and wire fraud, state Rep. Joe Harding, R-Ocala, announced his resignation from Florida’s House of Representatives.
Harding was the sponsor of the Parental Rights in Education law, which opponents nicknamed the “don’t say gay” bill. The legislation prohibits classroom instruction and discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Gov. Ron DeSantis supported the measure and signed it into law in March.
In a statement Thursday, Harding said he was resigning because he wants what is best for Floridians “and I believe their leaders need not be encumbered by distractions that are mine alone.”
