FRANKFORT, Ky -- A bill requiring the inclusion of abstinence in sex education classes wins Senate committee approval. The bill (SB 71), sponsored by Sen. Stephen Meredith (R, Leitchfield) would make abstinence education a part of any sex education classes in public middle and high schools in the state.
Opponents of the bill say requiring abstinence as part of sex education classes will likely involve shaming for students who have already been sexually active and could lead to abstinence only being taught. While agreeing abstinence has the only 100-percent way of preventing pregnancy or STDs, say legislation should focus on the greater issue of healthy lifestyle options for students to consider.
The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.