Virginia: Bill Bans "Crimes" in Sex Education

Classroom discussion of bestiality, sodomy and other "crimes against nature" allowed in Virginia's 15-year-old sex education law would be banned under a bill proposed by Republican delegate John J. Welch III (Virginia Beach).

Welch said parents in his suburban district were "appalled" that their teenage sons and daughters were being taught "in their words, 'alternative lifestyles.'" Welch said he grew even more concerned when parents brought educational materials "that basically tried to teach safe sex for homosexual behavior, which almost by definition is crimes against nature." Welch said. "Because of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, some people think it's a good thing to teach . . . but we don't want public funds being used." The Family Life Education program is state-mandated for students from kindergarten through 10th grade, though parents can remove their children from it for various reasons.

The House Education Committee could hold a hearing on the bill as early as next week. Welch said he expects easy passage in the House, where Republicans hold 64 of 100 seats and two independents typically caucus with them.

The state's largest teachers' union, the Virginia Education Association, maintains the legislation would impose a "gag rule" preventing educators from telling students about the dangers of STDs. "Teachers need to be able to talk with students about these things. It's like telling somebody we don't want you to steal cars, but can't use the word steal," said Rob Jones, the union's director of government relations.

Victoria Cobb of the conservative Family Foundation said her group will ask for a "friendly" amendment to Welch's bill to allow teachers to simply say there is a risk of contracting an STD if a person engages in a crime against nature, without going into lengthy detail about the sex acts themselves.

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