Throwing fuel on the fire

As if the issue of evolution hasn't been controversial enough in Florida, two state senators have moved to fan the flames by proposing a sex ed amendment to the "academic freedom" bill that's scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.

Riffing off the question of why some lawmakers have singled out evolution for special treatment in law, senators Ted Deutch (left) and Nan Rich have pitched the concept that teachers who instruct the equally contentious subject of sex education might deserve similar protection as those who raise questions about the origin of species.

Their amendment states, in part:

A public school teacher in the state's K-12 school system may not be disciplined, denied tenure, terminated, or otherwise discriminated against for objectively presenting scientific information relevant to the full range of scientific views regarding biological or chemical evolution and comprehensive sexual education that is age-appropriate and factual in connection with teaching any prescribed curriculum regarding chemical or biological evolution and any prescribed abstinence-only curriculum regarding human sexuality, respectively.

Deutch's own bill requiring schools to teach medically accurate, factual and age-appropriate sex education curriculum has shown no sign of life in committees. So why not try to attach the concept, which Republicans seem to dislike, onto the evolution bill that so many Democrats disdain, right? (Deutch was the lone nay vote on the evolution bill when it passed the Senate Education committee.)

The poison pill is not likely to win adoption. But it's entertaining to note. UPDATE: The amendment failed on voice vote.

UPDATE 2: After some spirited debate, the highlight of which was sponsor Sen. Ronda Storms answering in several ways except "yes" or "no" to the question whether Intelligent Design could be taught under her bill, the legislation was moved ahead for its third and final reading.

Comments

[Samantha]

When it comes to sex education, you get a variety of views. Some of the views include teaching abstinence is the only way and others feel that it is the parents job to talk about sex with their child. Although I do feel that it is the parent’s job to talk about sex with their children, I do not feel that most parents are doing their jobs. I also do not believe abstinence only programs work efficiently. Sex in society is much censored and even though many know what sex is, many are uncomfortable talking about it or deem it inappropriate. Teenagers and kids are having sex and are not using protection. Many girls become pregnant and then do not know what to do, where to go, or even who to tell. STI’s (sexual transmitted infections) are becoming more and more prominent among younger men and women than men or women who are around the ages 25 and older.
I agree that we should have sex education in school because many parents are not talking to their kids about sex. No, kids should not be encouraged to have sex at a young age. But with that said they should be taught the precautions and responsibilities that come with having sex. Sex education should be placed in schools and it should be grade appropriate. If children were taught how to properly use a condom or any other type of contraception, I feel it would reduce our teen pregnancy rate and stop the rise in STI’s. But it doesn’t stop at sex education. Condoms and other precautions for sex are expensive and often this causes teenagers and kids not to use a contraceptive while having sex.
Also I am not against abstinence because it is the safest way to not get pregnant or to receive a STI. But I do not think that it is the only way. A teenager will find a way to have sex whether they are supposing to or not. Instead of being blind about this concept, why not open up and talk to your kids about having sex and what comes with it or let the school do so.

[Mike]

Freely, both evolution and a celestial being can be proven. The fact that makes evolution science is that it can be predicted and is testable.

If a god appeared and created something in front of you, that is proof of its existence. However, there is no way to know when that will happen. Evolution can be proven through observation and documentation over very long periods of time. (micro-organisms go through many generations which can reduce this to one or two lifetimes of observations, and artificial selection can accelerate this even further)

[freely]

Isn't the 1st amendment the one that protects our right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech?
Though evolution is not a religion is a scientific fact. To take it away from schools is like to take away the understanding of the world itself and deny it.
Better keep your kids at home and close the windows. It is our jobs as parents to give our children the opportunity to understand other issues and scientific facts, that is life.
Unfortunately, religion is not a scientific fact, I rather believe in evolution that can be proven, that in some CELESTIAL BEING, that cannot be proven, and is left to anybody's interpretation.
Education needs to be universal and science is.

[Mike]

I remember when I got to learn about sex and abortions when I got a girl pregnant at 13. It was really fun doing things I was told not to do until I kept getting yelled at. I just wish conservatives could realize (I understand that they actually do and are just pushing their own agenda) the difference between things that need to be taught in high school because they have a major impact in their lives and indoctrination that to boost church attendance.

The internet is the reason religion is dying, not evolution. Our ability to share learned knowledge to answer questions people have trumps the Sunday life lessons. Quit trying to force it already.