California Assembly Moves To Expand Sex Education In Schools
SACRAMENTO (AP) — The state Assembly is advancing legislation to expand California's sex education curriculum, requiring schools to teach more about sexually transmitted infections and discuss same-sex relationships when teaching HIV prevention.
AB329 by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber would combine the voluntary sexual health education courses taught in most schools with mandatory HIV prevention education offered in grades 7 through 12.
The San Diego Democrat says California's sex education courses are outdated and often make gay, lesbian and transgender students feel excluded.
The Assembly approved it 47-24 Tuesday, sending it to the Senate.
Visalia Republican Assemblyman Devon Mathis opposed it, saying lawmakers shouldn't decide what other people's kids learn about sex.
The legislation would still allow parents to exclude their children, but it would block districts from having opt-in policies requiring explicit approval.
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