LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in an amicus brief opposing a Florida law that critics refer to as the "Don't Say Gay" law.

Florida's Parental Rights in Education law prevents classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity and discriminates against LBGTQ+ students, the AG's office said in an email.

Critics of the Florida law say it violates the Equal Protection Clause and the First Amendment.

The amicus brief argues the law is extreme and that attorneys general do have curricula in place to allow for age-appropriate discussions of LGBTQ+ issues, while respecting parental views, the AG's office said.

The brief also argues the Florida law causes harm to students, parents and teachers.

"Non-inclusive educational environments have sever negative health impacts on LGBTQ+ students, resulting in increased rates of mental health disorders and suicide attempts," the AG's office said. "These harms extend to youth not just in Florida, but throughout the country."

"This bill is an affront not just to educators, but also to LGBTQ+ students, especially those who may already be experiencing the stigmatizing effect of their identity at school," Nessel said. "This bill is not motivated by the desire to limit inappropriate content in classrooms."

"It is meant to have a chilling effect on how educators do their jobs and may also violate the First Amendment rights of students and teachers alike," Nessel said. "I gladly join my colleagues on this brief and hope it discourages other states, including Michigan, from considering similar legislation."

Nessel joins the amicus brief alongside attorney's general from New Jersey, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York and Oregon.