Support for Comprehensive Sexuality Education
According to surveys around the country, when asked, the vast majority of American adults, including parents and voters, support comprehensive sexuality education, disapproves of the government’s investment in abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, and rejects popular myths that suggest teaching about sexuality encourages teens to be sexually active. Nevertheless, the government currently spends over $175 million per year for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, in direct contradiction to public opinion.
Many parents believe that sexuality education can help young people make responsible decisions about sexual behavior and sexual health. The truth is that the majority of parents want sexuality education to cover a wide range of topics. In fact, most parents believe that it is appropriate to teach students about many subjects that are considered controversial, including abortion, masturbation, and sexual orientation. Not surprisingly, given the reality they face, young people also want sexuality education to cover many topics. ( Taken from SIECUS, 2008)