Lawmaker Who Sponsored Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Sentenced to Four Months in Federal Prison for Loan Fraud

Former Rep. Joe Harding resigned from the state legislature in December, one day after the federal indictment against him was unsealed

A former Florida lawmaker who sponsored the state's divisive "Don't Say Gay" bill — later signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis — has been sentenced to four months in federal prison for fraud associated with a COVID-19 loan, as well as two years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Former Rep. Joe Harding pleaded guilty in March to one count each of wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements as part of a scheme to fraudulently obtain a $150,000 federal COVID relief loan.

Prosecutors argue Harding, 36, submitted a loan application in the name of a business that was no longer active, then used the funds to pay off his credit card bill and transfer money to a bank account in his name.

In a press release, Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, said Harding's actions were "simply beyond the pale."

"Today’s sentence both punishes the defendant’s criminal conduct and should serve as a significant deterrent to others who would selfishly steal from their fellow citizens to unlawfully enrich themselves," Coody said. "With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of COVID-19 related fraud.”

Harding resigned from the state legislature in December, one day after the federal indictment against him was unsealed.

In a public statement at the time, he said: “I deeply regret my actions that led to these charges. I let down my family, my constituents, and those who have supported me over the years. I have only myself to blame. The greatest honor of my life was representing my hometown and my constituents in the Florida House."

Related: Ron DeSantis Moves to Apply Florida's Restrictive 'Don't Say Gay' Law in High School Classrooms

In 2022, Harding served as co-sponsor of a bill to block the classroom discussion of certain LGBTQ topics in the third grade or younger, or "in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards."

The measure was signed into law and later expanded to cover grades 4 through 12, as well.

The law, formally titled "Parental Rights in Education," has received widespread, national backlash, with critics saying it could have adverse effects on an already marginalized community.

Related: Florida Teens, Families Sue School Boards Over 'Don't Say Gay' Law: 'Forces Us to Self-Censor'

An amendment to the bill, sponsored by Harding, would have required teachers to essentially out gay students to their parents, instructing school staffers to to inform parents about their children’s sexual orientation “through an open dialogue in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment that respects the parent-child relationship and protects the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the student.” That amendment was ultimately pulled before the bill was signed into law.

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