Louisiana House Bill HB820

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Requires rather than authorizes sex education instruction in public schools (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)

Impact

The bill aims to standardize sex education across public schools in Louisiana, ensuring that all students receive uniform instruction that includes key topics like abstinence, contraceptive methods, and relationship skills. The ruling to repeal existing law places greater responsibility on school authorities to develop curricula that not only educate students about health but also provide skills for decision-making and problem-solving in the context of sexuality. This move is expected to create a more informed youth, potentially reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Summary

House Bill 820 mandates that sex education be taught in public schools rather than merely authorized. Starting in the 2013-2014 school year, public school governing authorities are required to provide medically accurate and developmentally appropriate sex education instruction. This bill emphasizes the importance of teaching students about human sexuality as a normal part of human development, along with skills necessary for healthy relationships.

Sentiment

The discussions around HB 820 have been polarized. Proponents of the bill highlight the necessity of comprehensive sex education to promote healthy sexual behavior and prevent negative health outcomes among youth. They argue that the mandated instruction will fill gaps in knowledge that often lead to risky behavior. Conversely, opponents express concern that requiring sex education may conflict with certain moral or religious beliefs, fearing that the content could undermine parental authority and introduce topics they believe should be handled at home.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 820 is its strong stance against discussing abortion within the sex education curriculum, which is mandated to promote abstinence and provide information on contraceptive options without advocating for abortion. Critics argue that this limitation could hinder the effectiveness of the education provided, as students will not receive a comprehensive view of all their options. Furthermore, the requirement for parental availability in reviewing educational materials raises questions about how this might affect the inclusivity and breadth of the curriculum constructed.