PHOENIX – The Arizona government, Doug Ducey, on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would make sex education legislation in the state the most stringent when it comes to teaching LGBTQ issues.
The governor called the legislation too broad and vague, saying it would lead to unintended consequences. He also said he was concerned about a ban on sex education before fifth grade could endanger vulnerable children by restricting the education of sexual abuse.
At the same time, the Republican issued an executive order accepting some of the transparency portions of the measure.
The proposed law would have barred all discussions about gender identity, sexual orientation or HIV / Aids in sex education classes, unless parents are notified in advance and specifically choose to accept the education.
The proposal also applies outside of sex classes, and requires parents to agree to have their children learn about historical events, such as a discussion of the modern gay rights movement stemming from the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York.
It is also forbidden to teach sex classes before the 5th grade, which according to opponents young students who are now learning about ‘good touch-bad touch’ increases the chance of molestation.
Social-conservative groups that have supported the measure call it a necessary issue for parental rights, arguing that parents deserve to know and approve of what their children are being taught in school. In Arizona, parents can currently check all learning materials and already require a registration for sex classes.
The bill passed Republican-controlled legislation on united opposition Democrats, calling it an attack on LGBTQ students who are already marginalized and dangerous to young students.
The legislation comes two years after the Republican governor signed a repeal of a 1991 law banning HIV / Aids that “promotes a homosexual lifestyle.” The bill came to light when the state faced a lawsuit that denied the constitutionality of the law that Republican Attorney General Democratic principal refused to fight.
Arizona is one of several Republican-led states where lawmakers have considered similar changes to sex education this year.
It is new to give parents more control over what their children can be taught about LGBTQ issues. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproduction rights group that follows such legislation, it comes amid other efforts to include social change, including legislation in some states to ban transgender athletes from participating in school teams of their identified gender take.
According to the National Conference of State Legislators, Arizona is one of five states that already require parental consent before children can attend sex education.
The proposal, which was vetoed by Ducey on Tuesday, would essentially require a double entry for HIV / Aids instructions that address sexual orientation or gender identity. Additional permission would have been required for LGBTQ discussions in any other class.
Legislation being considered in Idaho will require notices and notifications, including for discussion of sexual orientation outside of sex education classes. It has passed the house and is awaiting Senate action.
Tennessee lawmakers have introduced a measure the governor has promised to sign and the Missouri legislature is considering one that requires parents to be notified before instructing about sexual orientation or gender identity, but will exclude historical references.
In Montana, the legislature passed a bill earlier this month aimed at requiring parents to record sex education. But the legislation has been changed to criticism from education groups. It now allows parents to choose their children from sex editor and awaits action from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.
Advocates for comprehensive sex education say such legislation could have far-reaching negative consequences under the guise of parental rights by restricting fact-based education that young people need to stay safe.
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