Fri
Feb 25 2011
03:20 pm
Abstinence-based sex ed curriculum
By: R. Neal

Bill Nbr: HB1352
Sponsor: Dunn
Status:
Next sched. action:

Description:

"As introduced, implements an integrated sex education program in place of the family life curriculum and authorizes parents to maintain an action against an outside instructor or organization for teaching students about material prohibited by the curriculum guidelines. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49 and Title 68."

The bill mandates an "abstinence-centered" curriculum, and provides for civil penalties against outside sex-ed instructors who stray from the program by teaching about "gateway sex" (which is not defined in the bill). The bill appears to be written in such a way to eliminate Planned Parenthood from public schools.

Metro Pulse with more...

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Topics:
marytheprez's picture

Oh, Lordy, where do I begin?

Submitted by marytheprez (not verified) on Fri, 2011/02/25 - 5:23pm.

First, it is a proven fact that Abstinence ONLY does not work. In one Memphis High School, there are currently 86 young pregnant teenage girls. Obviously none of these girls, no matter the circumstance, was able to protect themselves.
And surveys of pre-teens and young teens indicate that a large percent have ALREADY engaged in 'gateway' activity and real sex by age 14.
Since I understand Rep. Dunn home schools all his children, I wonder if he teaches them all the 'abstinence only' theories? Is he going to lock 'em all up until they are 21? We NEED Planned Parenthood to teach the TRUTH about sexuality, not his 'religion-based' myths about sex. If we do not provide factual truths, kids will experiment. It is human nature. And they must be taught how to protect themselves from STDs and unwanted babies.

reform4's picture

25 States can't be wrong.

Submitted by reform4 on Fri, 2011/02/25 - 5:53pm.

25 states that previously had abstinence-only education are turning down the federal grants (which come with A-O strings) because the programs have been a failure.

Why would TN want to go where 25 other states are running away from?

TN right now leaves it up to localities. Most rural areas have A-O, and their teen pregnancy rates are very high. Knox Co, which uses Planned Parenthood in a lot of their high-risk schools actually has a teen pregnancy rate much lower than the rest of the state.

Why are these 'small government' Republicans wanting to use the heavy hand of the state government to interfere in local decisions?

(I will clarify not all Republicans feel this way- several of them have voiced their philosophical aversion to this bill).

EricLykins's picture

"I have spent a lot of my

Submitted by EricLykins on Fri, 2011/02/25 - 6:44pm.

"I have spent a lot of my time trying to bring down the rate of abortion... Keeping women and men in ignorance and denied the access to services actually increases the rate of abortion"

Tamara Shepherd's picture

From MetroPulse: "We really

Submitted by Tamara Shepherd on Fri, 2011/02/25 - 8:33pm.

From MetroPulse: "We really aren't sure as what the chances are of this bill passing - or even advancing past committee stage."

Well, we've got Campfield pushing it in the senate.

I'll guess "nil."

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