Representative Louie Gohmert (R-TX) on Monday said sexual education classes in schools reminded him of the Soviet Union because both promote the belief children don’t belong to their parents.

His comments, reported by Right Wing Watch, were made during an episode of the conservative Christian radio program WallBuilders Live.

“Let the kids be innocent,” Gohmert said. “Let them dream. Let them play. Let them enjoy their life. You don’t have to force this sexuality stuff into their life at such a point. It was never intended to be that way. They’ll find out soon enough.”

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The Republican congressman insisted it was a “law of nature” for parents to educate their children about topics like reproduction. “And yet that is the very thing that some of these liberals want to take away,” he added.

The situation reminded him of his visit to the Soviet Union as an exchange student in the 1970s. During his visit, he learned that children belonged primarily to the state rather than their parents.

Gohmert concluded by claiming that “a lady from MSNBC” also believed that children belonged to the state rather than their parents. He was referring to MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry, who said in April that “kids belong to whole communities.”

“I don’t want your kids, but I want them to live in safe neighborhoods,” she elaborated after facing a conservative backlash. “I want them to learn in enriching and dynamic classrooms. I want them to be healthy and well and free from fear.”

Listen to audio, courtesy of Right Wing Watch, below: