Sponsor Abandons Sex Ed Bill, For Now

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Sponsor Abandons Sex Ed Bill, For Now

Special Report - July 5, 2007
According to an article in the July 1 edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times, State Representative Susan Fisher (D-Buncombe) has abandoned efforts to push a controversial bill that would promote contraceptives and “alternative” sexual behaviors in North Carolina public schools. “I’ve taken enough abuse,” Fisher says in the article. “I want to be up front with it…I don’t want to go the back way. I want to be open about the need for comprehensive sexual education,” she continued.

The bill, HB 879—Modify School Health Education Program, would eliminate North Carolina’s current law requiring students to be taught that abstinence from sex until marriage is the expected standard of behavior. Instead, it would mandate “comprehensive sex education,” which advocates condom and contraceptive use and often instructs children on a myriad of sexual activities.

North Carolina Family Policy Council attorney Tami Fitzgerald has worked tirelessly talking with lawmakers about House Bill 879. “This is encouraging news,” Fitzgerald said. “I don’t doubt Representative Fisher’s sincerity, but our research indicates that abstinence education is working in North Carolina, resulting in a 40% reduction in the teen pregnancy rate since 1990. We should continue to teach students the benefits, and strategies of remaining abstinent, rather than teaching them how to have sex and about alternative sexual behaviors. We look forward to continuing to educate lawmakers about the value and benefits of authentic abstinence until marriage education.”

Although HB 879 failed to pass the House by the May 24 “crossover deadline” (by which non-appropriation and non-finance bills must pass from one chamber to the other to remain eligible), Rep. Fisher was apparently considering amending the bill in such a way that would keep it alive. If she does not attempt to revive HB 879 this year, similar legislation will not be eligible for introduction until the 2009 Session. A companion bill in the State Senate, SB 1182, has not been brought up for consideration.

To learn more about abstinence education in North Carolina, download our issue briefs Abstinence Education Works and Comprehensive Sex Education Would Put Adolescents & Teens At Risk.