Tenn. House Committee Approves Sex Education Bill
April 23, 2012 — The Tennessee House Education Committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 3621) that would revise a state law that mandates an "abstinence-first" approach in sex education classes, The Tennessean reports (Sisk, The Tennessean, 4/19).
The measure would make it more difficult for the state Board of Education to make changes to the sex education curriculum. Lessons would focus on "risk avoidance" and discouraging "gateway sexual activity," rather than on how to protect against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. The bill would mandate "abstinence-centered" lessons that stress refraining from "any kind of sexual contact" (Women's Health Policy Report, 3/23).
Debate on the legislation has focused on the definition of "gateway sexual activity." Proponents of the bill say it refers to sexual contact other than intercourse, while opponents say it could be interpreted to include kissing and holding hands.
The Senate approved companion legislation earlier this month. The bill now goes to the House Calendar and Rules Committee for scheduling (The Tennessean, 4/19).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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Debra Ness, publisher & president, National Partnership
Andrea Friedman, associate editor & director of reproductive health programs, National Partnership
Marya Torrez, associate editor & senior reproductive health policy counsel, National Partnership
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