A bill that is currently being passed through Florida’s legislature would prohibit elementary school discussions about sexually transmitted disease and sexual education topics like menstruation cycles.
On Wednesday, the House Education Quality Subcommittee approved the legislation sponsored by Stan McClain, a Republican state representative.
McClain stated that the bill would make sex education classes in the state’s public schools more uniform and allow parents to voice their opinions about curricula that they don’t approve.
The bill would prohibit discussions in elementary schools about topics like STDs and require schools that they teach that a person’s biological sexual identity is established at birth. The bill would restrict sex education classes to sixth through high school.
The bill, which bans discussion on menstrual cycles in schools for girls under six years old, was criticized by Democrats in the state. The average age at which girls get their period is 12 years, with a range from 10 to 15.
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Florida state Rep. Stan McClain is present at a legislative session on March 13, 2019, in Tallahassee.
“So, if little girls have their menstrual cycle in fifth or fourth grade, does that mean they can’t talk to them because they are in a grade lower than sixth grade?” Ashley Gantt, a Democratic State Representative, asked McClain this week.
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McClain replied, “It would,”
McClain stated that the bill’s intent is not to punish teachers who talk to young girls about periods. He is open to considering making changes to the bill.
This bill would require school materials be approved by Florida Department of Education (FNC).
WUSF reported that the bill would require school materials be approved by Florida Department of Education. It would also establish objection forms for the school community, which would include contact information to school district leaders.
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If there is an objection to pornography or sexual conduct , the bill will require that such materials be pulled within five school day “and remain available until the objection is resolved.”
The Florida Capitol, Tallahassee Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
WUSF reported that Gantt denounced the bill for encouraging book banning.
“I hope we all realize that we are taking away our children’s ability to think critically, and that we want to protect them from their ignorance. Gantt stated last week that they will one day be adults and need to be informed adults.
This report was contributed by the Associated Press.
