NAES

Network of Abstinence Educators of Spokane

(509) 232-2099 - NAESpokane@comcast.net

January 20, 2005

Members of the Senate Committee on Health and Long-Term Care and Sponsors of SB 5068 & SB 5306:

The Network of Abstinence Educators of Spokane (NAES) consists of various organizations and individuals that are committed to promoting sexual health through education that positively encourages abstinence until lawful marriage (RCW 70.24.210).

Members of NAES have reviewed the proposed "Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention," as published by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). We have also reviewed Senate Bills 5068 and 5306. We have found these initiatives to be flawed for the following reasons:

1. Local Control - A legislative mandate on sex education is contrary to the idea of "guidelines." School districts need to have freedom to exercise local control over sex education curriculum choices.
2. Definition of terms - Guidelines can be good, and NAES agrees with many of the proposed OSPI/DOH guidelines, as written; however, the definitions in the glossary make some of the statements objectionable. For example, the term "sexuality" is so broadly defined as to open the door to content that would be offensive to many parents.
3. Fair representation - Medical accuracy needs to be established by experts in the field who represent different points of view. Even scientists and doctors have differences of opinion in how they interpret scientific information. Advocates of comprehensive sex education will cite certain sources that favor their perspective. Likewise, advocates of abstinence education have medical and scientific experts who credibly represent their point of view. Both must be heard if sweeping policy decisions are going to be considered.
4. Lacking emphasis on abstinence outside lawful marriage - The guidelines claim to uphold the standard of emphasizing abstinence. Yet, they do not mention marriage, as required by law.

RCW 70.24.210 - Information for children on sexually transmitted diseases -- Emphasis. All material directed to children in grades kindergarten through twelve and providing education regarding any sexually transmitted disease that is written, published, distributed, or used by any public entity, and all such information paid for, in whole or in part, with any public moneys shall give emphasis to the importance of sexual abstinence outside lawful marriage and avoidance of substance abuse in controlling disease.

In light of the above, we urge members of the Committee on Health and Long-Term Care to defeat these bills. We also encourage the OSPI/DOH Guidelines to be rewritten to more clearly define the terminology to accurately reflect the goals of the majority of Washington State families.

Sincerely,

Paula Cullen

for the Network of Abstinence Educators of Spokane

(509) 232-2099

Return to WA State Guidelines