Legislation revamping sex education in Illinois Schools is headed to the Governor’s Desk.
The measure approved by the Illinois House applies to kindergarten through 12th grade, requiring schools that offer sex ed to use national standards. LGBTQ Advocate Representative Kelly Cassidy says that includes sexual health, relationships, and much-needed lessons that apply to a diverse student body.
“As a kid who didn’t understand why I didn’t fit in, who couldn’t define why I felt different, and whose parents were not an option to go to, I wish I had a teacher I could turn to. I wish I had a curriculum that didn’t call me unnatural,” said Cassidy.
But opponents, like Representative Adam Niemerg of Teutopolis, say the standards go too far.
“Do you want this taught to our children, our kindergartners, our fifth graders, our sixth graders? It is atrocious. Folks think about your kids, think about their future, and think about if you want to co-parent with the government and that should be part of your life,” said Niemerg.
The measure still needs to be signed into law by the Governor.
