January 31, 2019 08:36 AM UTC

FACT CHECK: Wide Misinformation About Sex Ed Bill

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• by: Jason Salzman

(Promoted by Colorado Pols)

Here are some samples of inaccurate statements from respected sources about the sex-ed bill that’s under consideration by state lawmakers. Read the bill text here.

FALSE: State Rep. Mark Baisley (R-Teller) was quoted as saying: “It’s a violation of the First Amendment to the constitution by telling the school districts that you won’t talk about anything having to do with religion.” Former State Sen. Kevin Lundberg put it more bluntly on Facebook post. where he called the bill a “manifesto for rigidly requiring all schools receiving public funds to a new morality that is bereft of any actual morals.”

TRUE: The bill states specifically that it does not “prohibit discussion of moral, ethical, or religious values of individuals as they pertain to human sexuality, healthy relationships, or family formation.” Plus, parents can opt-out of sex ed for their kids, under Colorado law.

FALSE: A prominent sub-headline in The Denver Post Stated, “‘If you’re for House Bill 1032, then you’re for exposing 9-year-olds to sexually explicit techniques,’ one father said.’

TRUE: As reported by ColoradoPolitics’ Marianne Goodland: “Several witnesses incorrectly said HB 1032 would require teaching sexually explicit techniques to children as young as 9 years old (it wouldn’t) or that schools would teach sex ed without input from parents (state law already allows parents to opt out).

FALSE: “Basically, they bring Planned Parenthood in to teach your kids about everything,” State House Republican Leader Patrick Neville told KNUS. “

TRUE: No mention of Planned Parenthood in the legislation.

FALSE: State Rep. Paul Lundeen (R-Co Springs) told KVOR radio, “The way this thing is written, it’s vague enough to be applied to very, very young children.”

TRUE: The bill states that information should be “age-appropriate.”

 This post was  Corrected due to error By the author regarding a headline from 9 news