Sex ed: State out of touch with families’ interests

As a voter, I value truth, transparency and trust. As a mother, I want the best for my children. That’s why I was so disappointed with the passage of Senate Bill 5395, now on the Washington ballot as Referendum 90.

Researching comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and comparing the promise of age-appropriate, medically accurate lessons with the state’s reviewed/approved curricula, it’s evident OSPI isn’t in touch with what’s age-appropriate or medically accurate.

That’s why telling people to “read the bill” is so misleading. You have to read the curricula to get an idea of what will be allowed.

It’s also impossible to just opt out when the law left a loophole allowing schools to integrate CSE themes into other subjects.

Children do need to learn about safety and appropriate touch, but they don’t need to learn about pleasure or how to consent to sex acts.

Those are not conversations for an unrelated, adult teacher and a minor child. They need to happen at home, under the guidance of parents who know their child best and in the context of the morals and values that fit their family.

This story was originally published October 7, 2020 at 7:51 AM with the headline "Sex ed: State out of touch with families’ interests."