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On February 6, the Montana House of
Representatives supported House Bill 239 that would require parental permission
before students can attend school sex education classes. Sponsors of the
measure state that this is essential in coping with a progressively
controversial curriculum. Social conservatives, who believe that local sex
education policies are teaching bad morals, are attempting to set limits on
these policies. In 2011, however, former Governor Brian Schweitzer vetoed a
similar bill that the Montana Legislature passed.
Supporters noted a heavily attended
debate in Helena, Mont., where parents and school officials argued with each
other over sex education. The proposed bill would also ban any organization
that offers abortion services from assisting with sex education in schools.
Conservatives are prioritizing House Bill 239, citing the approval of the
November ballot initiative requiring parental consent for teen abortions. For
the initial vote on House Bill 239, the measure was endorsed 54-43. The bill
next goes to a final vote before facing the Montana Senate.
A few Republicans joined Democrats
in opposing the measure. Opponents stated that parents currently can opt not to
allow their children to take part in sex education, and they pointed out the
burdensome nature of this proposal that requires opt-in permission. Challengers
of the bill caution that inattentive parents and their students may not return
the permission to take the classes, emphasizing that students who may need the
classes the most will not receive the education.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
