Sex education: Good-faith law assailed by misinformation
It’s time for the truth about Referendum 90. Though some people don’t like the idea of sex education in school, our legislators passed this bill and our governor signed it into law in good faith.
What’s being touted as the “truth” about this legislation is incorrect. Anti sex-ed activists claim it teaches kindergarteners about sexual positions or 10-year-olds about sexual pleasure.
The law requires the curriculum to contain education that is age appropriate, and fact-based information to help young people avoid sexually transmitted disease, avoid unwanted pregnancy and stay healthy.
The law, as written, allows parents who don’t want their child to learn what sexual health is about to opt their child out. Local school districts determine the curriculum, not the state.
Why anyone would want to keep their child from knowing how to be safer and more healthy in a world deep in a pandemic is beyond me.
Shelly Cooper, Tacoma
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Sex education: Good-faith law assailed by misinformation."