(The Center Square) – Legislation pending in the Michigan’s House of Representatives would update how sex education is taught in public schools.
Among the changes are mandating educators include examples of nonheterosexual relationships while teaching. Another is the removal of a requirement to teach students about developing self-responsibility and the possible emotional, economic and legal consequences of sex.
The bill also deletes a prohibition against distributing contraceptives on public school property.
Rep. Rachel Hood, D-Grand Rapids, sponsor of House Bill 6068, at a press conference said sex education laws focus too much on teaching abstinence and lack inclusive language for students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, and the many other identities that fall under the umbrella known as LGBTQ+.
“Comprehensive sex education goes beyond just teaching the fundamentals,” Hood added. “It will equip Michigan’s young people with knowledge needed to foster healthy relationships, understand consent and make good choices. House Bill 6068 would ensure that sex education standards align with the current needs of our state.”
Other changes the bill makes include deleting all language that says abstinence is a positive lifestyle choice for unmarried young people; remove the requirement for teachers to stress that unplanned pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases are serious possible consequences of sex that are only fully preventable by abstinence; and eliminate directives to teach about family planning and adoption while also deleting a prohibition against teaching about abortion as a method of reproductive health.
Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, opposed the bill, calling it a “major shift” in sexual education guidelines that “pushes an agenda” about abortion being the only option for unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, among other messages.
“While not every aspect of the bill is negative, the focus should remain on promoting healthy, responsible behaviors that equip young people with the skills they need to make good decisions,” Greene said.
She said stripping away positive language regarding abstinence education and other proven approaches in favor of controversial content “does a disservice to our students.”
The bill clarifies that the course is elective and not required to graduate, and parents may opt their children out of a sex education class.