Tennessee Cripples Sexual Education

There has been a long debate over marijuana and its status as a gateway drug. Namely, if you smoke marijuana, some legislators feel that you are then more likely to do hardcore drugs.

Now, legislators in Tennessee have taken that mentality and applied it - of all the things - to sexual education. This new law (link) bans sexual education instructors and teachers from teaching “gateway” sexual activities, and are barred from condoning any genital contact. Besides talking about kissing and hugging (I imagine), all other subjects are considered “gateway” sexual activities that may lead to “hardcore” sexual practices (which include oral and anal sex, and other forms of non-vaginal sexual activities). These subjects include talking about genitals, breasts, ass or thigh, which are called “gateway parts”. They relate these gateway parts not only to teen pregnancy, but also to an increased risk of STD transmission.

John Lundberg, state rep of Tennessee, explained this bill to an NBC affiliate: “The shift is that the main core needs to be an abstinence-based approach. Not, 'hey, I know everybody's having sex, so when you have sex do this, do this, [and] do this.' That's not it.”

He believes this law is important for the state of Tennessee because of its current situation. The state has the 7th highest teen birth rate and the 11th highest rate of HIV infection in the US. While it does make sense for the state to address these issues, this approach is marred by ignorane.

I have to go back to Lundberg’s statement and disagree. The purpose of sexual education is to instruct young people (and not just them) on the practices, health risks, psychological implications of sex as well as more practical aspects: contraception, common issues, where to get help, who do it with, when you should do it etc. The Tennessee approach is based on taking an opposite standpoint and saying “no, just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t justify enforcing a system that educates young people on sex. We should reduce our lacking education in the matter further, and try a abstinence based approach.” They’re basically saying that as long as sex ed teachers don’t tell you about sex, you won’t go around doing it. His approach to education is not talking about it. And I think that’s utter bullshit.

Teachers aren’t happy about this law. Tennessee Education Spokesman Jerry Winters said that, "It does focus on abstinence, but in this modern world to say that 'just say no' is the answer to teenage pregnancy is putting your head in the sand."

A lot of teenagers today have sex at a point when they’re lacking in education, maturity or responsibility on the matter. Sex isn’t something that needs to be overly glorified or demonized, however it does happen. And if it does happen, I feel it’s better to keep those who are about to do it (or have done it) better informed and educated. But what they should get from their sexual education is this: sex is a big thing. You have to be careful when you decide to do it, who you decide it with (is it someone you know? is it someone you trust?), make sure you have protection and essentially know how to do it, so that it’s all safe and well. But also, don’t go around having sex with everyone.

I believe in education, and I believe it’s one of the keys to solving many problems in our world today. And if it’s not a direct solution, it’s certainly the best place to start. As a former UNICEF sex ed&drug peer counselor, I support sexual education in particular, and personally believe it's lacking in my country. Tennessee isn't the only state with sexually irresponsible and uneducated young people.

With the risk of sounding a bit too text-book, I do personally feel sex is an important thing. I think it’s something one has and shares with responsibility and with those who’ve proven they can be trustworthy, and I absolutely do not condone one night stands or sleeping with someone on the first or second date, or any other slut-like activity. I believe in the use of protection and birth control, and I respect those who respect their body and who they share it with.

In the end, hiding your head in the sand when it comes to sexual education isn’t the right approach. Sex is important, and the message kids should receive is this: kids, get educated, learn about sex and sexual practices, learn about protection and health risks, and don’t do it with just about anyone.