Reason prevailed earlier this month in Utah, as Republican Gov. Gary Herbert vetoed a bill that would allow schools to opt out of sex education instruction and ban discussion of contraception outright. HB 363 would have prohibited "instruction or the advocacy of the intricacies of intercourse, sexual stimulation, or erotic behavior; homosexuality; contraceptive methods or devices; or sexual activity outside of marriage." Another thing to keep in mind: currently Utah law regarding sex education is "opt-in", which means that a parent must give written permission before their child receives any education on human sexuality.
Gov. Herbert said that "After careful review of existing law and following extensive discussions with stakeholders on both sides of the issue, I am convinced the existing statutory framework respects these two principles, while HB 363 simply goes too far by constricting parental options."
We applaud the Governor for vetoing this bill, and continue to support open dialog and access to responsible, realistic, effective, comprehensive sex education that the people of Utah (and everywhere else) deserve.
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