Thank You, Senator Lazich, Rep. Gundrum, etc

Yesterday, Governor Doyle signed into law (Act 445) a bill that sets an objective for sex ed in Human Growth and Development classes if a school district chooses to teach the subject. Sen. Mary Lazich had the fortitude to keep this bill on course despite heavy criticism. An Op Ed piece in the Milwaukee Journal even pointed out that only in Madison would such a benign bill cause so much controversy.

Specifics in the bill are:

• "Abstinence from sexual activity must be presented as the preferred choice of behavior in relationship to all sexual activity for unmarried pupils"
• Emphasis must be given that "abstinence from sexual activity before marriage is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS"

This bill does not mean that abstinence is the only approach that can be taught but it clearly delineates that emphasis must be placed on abstinence. We now have a tool to use to influence those in state governmental departments who are only just beginning to give the abstinence message more than a passing nod. The next task is to help them understand that abstinence is not "just say No" as they continue to assume. Abstinence is a lifestyle that requires saying "Yes" to one's future, and adults need to guide students towards happy, healthy choices that improve their lives, their families, and communities.

But the mere fact that a value and parameter has been put on sexual behavior is a victory for our youth. This is a huge change from the idea that values can only come from the home and each person self-defines those, as was argued by Planned Parenthood representatives at the Senate hearing.