Sex Ed

My sex ed bill can be found here.

In short, the bill modifies the sex ed curriculum, by instructing the State Office of Education to create a medically-accurate curriculum on contraceptives for all high schoolers (unless parents opt-out). The instruction will be delivered via a video prepared by the State Office. Along with being accurate and excellent, the video will fully inform parents of what will be taught; that way, parents can make an informed decision regarding their child’s participation; better yet, the video will provide an excellent tool for parents to use when talking with their children about sex.

My conversations regarding sex ed suggest that a few points should be clarified:

1. Current Utah law is not abstinence-only. It is abstinence-based. Contraceptive info is taught in 36 of Utah’s 40 school districts.

2. Point no. 1 is not quite accurate. Though all but 4 districts claim to teach contraceptives, instruction often comes down to the personal preferences of the individual health teachers. Some teach it; some don’t; some sort of mention it.

3. Utah rates of teen pregnancy and STD infections are problematic.

Last year, as Senate sponsor of Rep. Seelig’s Expedited Partner Therapy bill, I was surprised by the pregnancy rates and STD rates for Utah kids. Believing that education can improve behavior, and that smarter sexual behavior can prevent much heartache and tragedy, I took a big interest in Rep. Hemingway’s sex ed bill. It has been a pleasure to work with Lynn and all of the interested parties.

The sex ed advisory board for my school district strongly supports the bill. My Senate district is just about the most conservative in the State. But, when my people learn about the specifics of the bill, they support it. That’s the key – getting to the point of real discussion and specifics.

I believe in legislative process. Because of the sensitivity and tremendous importance of the topic, and because of the passions that the words “sex ed” evoke, this bill will be challenged at every turn. And that’s a great thing! The process will drive meaningful discussion and helpful ideas. The final product will be awesome, and it will do great things for the youth of Utah.