Sex education bill -- start young, stress consent

require that the curriculum be inclusive, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and t each affirmative consent as essential to sexual relations. less Senate Bill 5395 would make comprehensive, medically accurate sex education mandatory in all public schools, require that the curriculum be inclusive, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and ... more Senate Bill 5395 would make comprehensive, medically accurate sex education mandatory in all public schools, Photo: Rachel La Corte, ASSOCIATED PRESS Photo: Rachel La Corte, ASSOCIATED PRESS Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Sex education bill -- start young, stress consent 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Legislation to mandate sex education across Washington is needed as a preventive measure against harassment, coercion and assault, advocates told a hearing Wednesday in Olympia.

Senate Bill 5395 generated hot debate on a snowy day in the state capital.

"The first time students come to campus should not be the first time they learn of affirmative consent, " argued Henry Pollet, a Western Washington University student.

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State Rep. Vicki Kraft, a Republican from Southwest Washington, countered: "It's teaching young children how to have sex."

The legislation sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Federal Way, would:

-- Make comprehensive, medically accurate sex education mandatory in all public schools;

-- Require that the curriculum be inclusive, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity;

Joel Connelly has been a staff columnist for more than 30 years. He comments regularly on politics and public policy. Joel Connelly has been a staff columnist for more than 30 years. He comments regularly on politics and public policy.

-- Teach affirmative consent as essential to sexual relations.

Parents would be able to opt out, but all districts would have to opt in.

"I wonder who is going to run for school board if local control is removed," argued Kenny Smith of Battleground, an opponent of the bill.

But Wilson, a veteran educator, argued that early knowledge guides wise decisions, which prevent young people from expecting unexpectedly.

"Most all I know, teens want to learn as much as they can plan for themselves and their future," Wilson said.

Aren Wright, an Olympia high school student, reported: "Our current curriculum tells nothing about how to report sexual harassment and assault."

Heather Maisen of King County Public Health, spoke of "positive effects" such as "reducing sexual activity" seen where sexuality health education is taught.

Sharon Hanek of Bonney Lake, countered with the question: "is anything broken?" Why change the law, she asked, at a time when the state is experiencing a decline in teen pregnancy.

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Planned Parenthood is backing SB 5395, on top of a successful 2018 election. For instance, Wilson ousted GOP Sen. Mark Miloscia, an outspoken social conservative and abortion opponent.

And Planned Parenthood argued strongly that sexual education should begin at a young age.

"In order to prevent sexual violence, coercion and assault, all young people need access to sex education that includes consent and healthy relationships, starting well before college and well before they become sexually active," said Courtney Normand of Planned Parenthood Votes.