Pa. House panel approves sex-education bill for schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A bill that would require Pennsylvania’s public schools to provide sex education to students is on its way to the state House of Representatives.

The bill narrowly passed the House Education Committee today. The vote was 14-11.

Under the bill, parents would have the opportunity to withhold their children from the classes and school boards would determine the curriculum, as long as it’s age-appropriate and medically accurate.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Chelsa Wagner of Allegheny County, says the instruction can help lower pregnancy rates and costs and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Currently, such instruction is at the district’s discretion.

Opponents say family and church, not schools, should provide sex education, which they fear will encourage sexual activity.