ACROSS INDIANA — Times seem to be changing when it comes to the subject of sex education in public schools, as conservative groups urged Indiana lawmakers Thursday to pass a bill that would require parents to "opt in" when it comes to their children taking sex ed classes. According to AP News, a proposal was debated during a House committee hearing that would require parents of public school students to be notified, plus given the opportunity to review any curriculum dealing with sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

But that's not all - the bill would also prohibit public schools from providing this education without the parent's written permission, AP News reports. This bill is sponsored by GOP Sen. Dennis Kruse of Auburn, who is also the Senate Education Committee chairman, and is up for a committee vote next week after previously being approved by the full Senate. AP News says Kruse praised the idea of requiring parents to "opt in" instead of giving them the chance to "opt" their kids out of sex ed.

According to AP News, democrats on the committee said opt-out is working just fine, but that some people are critical of that approach, and that silence from a parent doesn't mean consent.

Kruse believes in this new method because it covers all parents and the fact that they have to make a decision.

According to the news outlet, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said it's appropriate for parents to make these decisions and not local school teachers or administrators.

"I do not have a problem with a parent having approval rights over what their children are taught in school about sexual education," the Indianapolis Republican said Thursday, according to AP News. "Notifying parents of their right to review materials, I think, is entirely reasonable and I would want to do so with my own kids."

AP News notes that sex education is not required under Indiana law, which is why schools handle the subject differently. However, many currently use an opt-out method where schools send notification to parents about sex education classes and parents must send the form back if they want their child excused from class.



Concerns for those who are backing the bill, such as social conservative groups like the Indiana Liberty Coalition, Advance America and the Indiana Catholic Conference, include the using inappropriate sexual education materials, such as teaching school-age children about condoms and masturbation, AP News says.

AP News adds that while some opponents support parental rights, they maintain the "opt-in" requirement could lead to fewer students learning about important health matters, and a lack of compliance from students and parents. Bosma said he supports the general idea behind the bill, but warned that it looks "a little unwieldy," noting this could mean changes will be made to the proposal.