(KCPW News) A bill that bans the discussion of contraception, homosexuality, premarital sex and the intricacies of intercourse in human sexuality curriculum for Utah public schools passed the Utah House of Representatives Wednesday. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Bill Wright, says its best to respect the innocence of children and teach them “correct principles.”
“…which is abstinence only is the only sure way that we can refrain from unwanted pregnancies, from STDs and a lot of other variety of social ills that come with our acting out and our misconduct with our sexual behavior.”
The bill allows teachers to answer spontaneous questions, but only if the response is consistent with the abstinence only provisions in the bill.
Democratic Representative Brian King questioned whether most parents, including lawmakers voting for the bill, do a very good job of explaining the mechanics of sex to their children. He said it’s time to face facts.
“Despite the fervent desires of most of us that our sons and daughters live chaste lives until they get married, we know that many of them, maybe even most of them, are going to engage in sexual relationships before they get married,” he said. “Those are the facts. We owe it to our kids; we owe it to their current and future partners to not stick our heads in the sand.”
House Bill 363 passed by a vote of 45 to 28 and now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
How do you feel about this topic?
Is there anything else you think we should know? We'd like to hear your thoughts. Send us your feedback using the form below.
