A recent story on CNN reports that fully 82% of Americans support comprehensive sex education in public schools. But despite a spate of studies showing so-called "abstinence only" programs simply do not work, social conservatives have succeeded in eliminating or severely crippling sex education programs in schools around the nation. This begs the question: WHY ARE OUR CHILDREN BEING TAUGHT IGNORANCE IN RESPONSE TO LESS THAN 18% OF THE PUBLIC?
Pardon me for yelling, but imagine the reduction in teen pregnancy and abortion we might have achieved had we encouraged schools to develop a realistic sex ed curriculum back in the early 1990s. This survey found that even 70% of self-described conservatives favor comprehensive sex ed, so apparently the entire nation is being held hostage to a small sex-phobic clique-- probably the same one that's pushing "creation science" into classrooms as well.
It's time we stood up to the religious bullies and let them know that while they're welcome to teach their kids any superstitions they wish at home, our kids face some very real problems with STDs and pregnancy that simply must be addressed with facts, not fear-mongering or imaginary concepts like "secondary virginity." As we know from recent events, those who are most vocal in their opposition to healthy sexuality are often those with the most problems...we can and must do better.
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