Michigan lawmakers push for abortion, LGBTQ agenda in sex ed classes

Democratic state Rep. Rachel Hood introduced a bill last Tuesday that would alter the state’s sex education curriculum to include resources on how and where to get abortions. Teachers would be required to inform students about all FDA-approved birth control. They would further be required to acquaint students with the concepts of sexual orientation and various types of sexual relationships, including non-traditional same-sex relationships. A more comprehensive sex education would equip Michigan’s students to grow healthy relationships and make good choices, Hood said during a press conference about the measure. So much has changed in the world, and sex ed curriculum needs to reflect that, state House Speaker Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky said at the press conference.

Republican state Rep. Jaime Greene spoke out against the bill after its Tuesday introduction. The bill removes instructions to teach about adoption as a solution to unplanned pregnancy and will clear the way for school clinics to give out birth control, according to a release from her office last Friday. The proposal is a serious shift from the sexual values Michigan has taught for decades, she said. Schools would also be forced to recognize non-traditional sexual relationships in a positive light, the release added. Not everything in the bill is bad, but it doesn't focus enough on teaching kids healthy behaviors and good decision-making skills, Greene said. The bill was referred to the House Education Committee where Greene serves as vice chair.

Doesn’t the bill remove abstinence? The law would keep abstinence in the curriculum but would change the way teachers present it. Current law characterizes abstinence as a positive lifestyle for young people who are single. The proposed law would remove positive descriptors and references to marriage, and describe abstinence solely as the most effective measure to prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.

Can students opt out of the course? The proposed law would allow parents to pull their child from sex ed, but offers no alternative sex ed course. Districts also have the option to opt out of the course.