House Bill 363 blasted through the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 45-28. All those in favor were Republican. All the Democrats and 11 Republicans opposed it.
The bill mandates that sex education in Utah schools can only be taught within an abstinence only frame. Instruction or discussion of contraceptives and homosexuality cannot take place in schools.
"It has to be abstinence only," said Bill Wright, the bill's sponsor.
For a legislature that has long beaten its chest to advertise how much it hates excessive government intervention, this level of censorship is hypocritical. Combined with the disturbing disregard for students’ needs and rights to be openly given information and then allowed to choose how to use that knowledge and act, it’s downright dangerous.
The bill will now move on for consideration in the Senate.
If you’re opposed to Utah students having their heads forcibly pushed into the sand by our legislators, rally your senators to help kill this bill.
The bill will have a public hearing in a Senate Committee, where the public will have a last chance to comment publicly. Senators can always be emailed, called, or spoken with at the capitol. Head to http://le.utah.gov to find your senator’s contact information.
“We don't hear from people a whole lot,” House Minority Whip Jennifer Seelig told our Mestizo interns at the beginning of this session. “Most of who we hear from are people who don't live in our districts.”
This bill is a great opportunity to change that. If you’re opposed, make your voice heard. Call or email your senator today. Come speak in the committee meeting. And get your friends to do the same.
I really like the information.
ReplyDeleteMovers And Packers