HB71 Alabama 2020 Session

This bill would revise the focus of the content, course materials, and instruction provided to public school students in any program or curriculum that includes sex education or the human reproductive process

To amend Section 16-40A-2, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to public K-12 sex education; to revise the focus of the content, course materials, and instruction provided to students.

Section 1

Section 16-40A-2, Code of Alabama 1975, is amended to read as follows:

§16-40A-2.

(a) Any program or curriculum in the public schools in Alabama that includes sex education or the human reproductive process shall, as at a minimum, include and emphasize the following:

(1) Abstinence from sexual intercourse sex is the only completely effective protection against unwanted unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases infections, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when transmitted sexually.

(2) Abstinence from sexual intercourse sex outside of lawful marriage is the expected social standard for unmarried school-age persons.

(b) Course materials and instruction that relate to sexual health education or sexually transmitted diseases infections should be age-appropriate and medically accurate.

(c) Course materials and instruction that relate to sexual health education or sexually transmitted diseases infections should include all of the following elements:

(1) An emphasis on sexual abstinence as the only completely reliable method of avoiding unwanted unintended teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases infections.

(2) An emphasis on the importance of self-control and ethical conduct pertaining to delaying sexual activity and discouraging risky sexual behavior.

(3) Statistics based on the latest medical information that indicate the degree of reliability and unreliability of on various forms of contraception, while also emphasizing the increase in protection against pregnancy and protection against sexually transmitted diseases infections, including HIV and AIDS infection, which is afforded by the use of various contraceptive measures.

(4) Information concerning the laws relating to the financial responsibilities associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and child rearing.

(5) Information concerning the laws prohibiting sexual abuse, the need to report such abuse, and the legal options available to victims of sexual abuse.

(6) Information on how to cope with and rebuff unwanted physical and verbal sexual exploitation by other persons.

(7) Psychologically sound methods of resisting unwanted peer pressure.

(8) An emphasis, in a factual manner and from a public health perspective, that homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of the state.

(9)(8) Comprehensive instruction in parenting skills and responsibilities, including the responsibility to pay child support by non-custodial parents, the penalties for non-payment of child support, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of child care and child rearing."

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.