11/19/2024

LANSING - Michigan Democrats are hoping to change the ways students learn about sex education.  Democrats have proposed legislation that they say would modernize Michigan’s sex education curriculum. Introduced by House Democrats on Nov. 12, the bill would expand to include topics like contraceptives and sexual identity.  Bill Co-Sponsor and State Rep. Jenn Hill, (D) 109th District, says this would give students an avenue for objective, fact-based sex education.  Republican Sen. Ed McBroom says he agrees that Michigan’s Sex Education curriculum does need some updates. However, he questions why the legislation is necessary.  Under the current law, schools can teach about contraceptives, but it is not required. The bill would not force schools to teach sex ed, and parents could still opt their children out of those courses.  The bill would also allow for the distribution of contraceptives on school property. This bill comes as Republicans will take over the House majority in January and is the Democrats' final push to get legislation through.  The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education.