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May 9th - The Comprehensive Family Life and Sexuality Education
Programs bill (SF
2977) has been included in the larger education bill,
SF 2994. As written, this legislation prevents a single voice from
dominating the classroom, by incorporating material that "emphasizes
abstinence while also including education about the use of protection
and contraception" and "materials that address varied societal views on
sexuality, sexual behaviors, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted,
including HIV, in an age-appropriate manner". This is the right
legislation to give students the vital information they need to make
sound decisions about their sexual health.
SF 2994 is expected to reach the Senate floor by 5/12/06, and there will
likely be an attempt to force abstinence-only language into the bill or
otherwise restrict students' access the information they need. This is
wrong for Minnesota. Abstinence-only education programs have been found
to increase the number of young people having sex and decrease
their use of contraception. In contrast, well informed young people make
more conscientious decisions about their sexual health. Comprehensive
sexuality education does not increase sexual activity among
teens, but often delays first intercourse, reduces the frequency of sex,
and reduces the number of sexual partners.
Take Action!
- Contact your state senator to urge support for SF 2994 as it is
written, because our young people need all the information available
to make their decisions. You can find your legislative district and
the contact information for your legislator by using our
district finder.
- Learn more about what you can do to support comprehensive
sexuality education and confidential health care services, including
attending the "SEFL Youth Capitol Day," by visiting
Sexuality
Education for Life – Minnesota.
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