Source: MIRS.news, Published 11/18/2024) Sex education in public schools would move away from the "no-sex-before-marriage" morality message to one stressing medical realities, affirmative consent and inclusiveness of those of different sexual orientations and identities, under bills introduced last week.  

HB 6068 sponsored by Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) and Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), would give the state's sex education its first brushup since 2004 by replacing references in state law to "family planning" and "family life" with "sexual and reproductive health care" and "sexual health."  

Unlike the current law, it addresses contraception and "accessing sexual and reproductive health resources," such as abortion services. The proposal not only demystifies sex, pregnancy and outcomes, but mandates discussion on sex trafficking, rape and sexual assault.  

"Comprehensive sex education goes beyond just teaching the fundamentals, it will equip Michigan's young people with knowledge needed to foster healthy relationships, understand consent and make good choices," Hood said. " HB 6068 would ensure that sex education standards align with the current needs of our state."  

The bill would also mandate that at least two students be members of a local school district advisory board. It strikes the requirement that clergy be on the board.  

A message in current law that abstinence is a "positive lifestyle for unmarried young people" is also scratched under the proposal.  

Nupar Huria, from the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH), and Corey Harbaugh, director of curriculum and instruction at Paw Paw Public Schools were among those who spoke in support of the bill during last week's press conference.  

Huria said without quality sex education instruction, students are left to scour the internet for answers, some of which is accurate, but much of it is not.  

"Failing to pass this bill would be a disservice to Michigan's youth, leaving them unprepared to navigate today's challenges around consent, digital safety and making informed decisions about their health and safety," said Taryn Gal, executive director at MOASH.  

The bill was referred to the House Education Committee, where Republican committee member Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) predicted a chilly reception from his side of the aisle.  

As a former K-14 teacher in the Upper Peninsula, Markkanen said he believes the bill goes "way beyond what is needed in our public schools" by at least planting the seed in teenagers' minds to engage in promiscuous behavior.  

"I know everyone up here is going to be dead set against it," he said. "A majority of conservative Michiganders and Yoopers aren't going to like encouraging our 13, 14 and 15-year-old daughters to get the morning-after pill after they've had sex."