Illinois Planned Parenthood proposes legislation requiring sex education to start from kindergarten
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Abortion provider Planned Parenthood Illinois has proposed legislation that would require public schools in the state to start sex education from kindergarten, the Washington Examiner reports. The Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health (REACH) Act has not yet been filed in Illinois’ new General Assembly, but this could occur in the coming days.
If the proposed legislation is passed, the REACH Act would require teachers of kindergarten through second grade to give sex education classes on personal safety and respecting others, the Washington Examiner reports. Teachers of Grades 3-5 would have to cover anatomy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. In Grades 6-12, classes would be required to expand on earlier teaching and include lessons on abstinence, birth control and prevention of STDs.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois said the proposed legislation is intended to set standards rather than lay out a curriculum. It would be up to local districts to decide on methodology, the Washington Examiner reports.
Supporting the bill, Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) said in a statement: “How [the lessons are taught], is up to the local school boards. “They may have outside speakers come in, they may do short little lessons, they may have it be part of a health class.”
Willis added the bill would ensure classes do not discriminate based on sex, race, ethnicity, and disability, among others, the Washington Examiner said.
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