Florida’s “parental rights” movement was dealt a blow this week when state education officials conceded that a law banning instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity does not bar classroom discussion of LGBTQ+ people, families or issues. Why it matters: The parental rights movement began in the early days of the pandemic — arguing against mask mandates, then critical race theory — and has defined Florida politics since, but its influence shows signs of waning. The policies it backed — including the law watered down this week, which critics call “Don’t Say Gay” — thrust the state into the national spotlight for its hyper-conservative approach to education and were central to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ failed presidential campaign.