RI GOP Conservative Caucus: Inclusive Sex Ed Bill is "Gross Infringement on Parental Rights"

RI GOP Conservative Caucus: Inclusive Sex Ed Bill is "Gross Infringement on Parental Rights"

The Rhode Island Republican Conservative Caucus is opposing legislation introduced at the Rhode Island General Assembly that would require courses in family life or sex education be taught in grades 6 -12 and be appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

“Instituting this course material will prompt young students to believe that all these variations are equal in their social order," said Barbara Holmes-Brackett, Chair of the RI Republican Conservative Caucus. “Many parents will be furious that this message is being beamed at their children, but the Legislature seems to have seen to it that by the time parents are aware it will be too late."

The bill, H-5604, introduced by Rep. Rebecca M. Kislak, (D-Dist. 4, Providence) calls for courses in family life or sex education to be "appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; affirmatively recognize pleasure-based sexual relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships in discussions and examples. In addition, comprehensive course instruction shall include gender, gender expression, gender identity, and the harm of negative gender stereotypes."

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“This move to promote all imaginable variations of sexual activity is a gross infringement on Parental rights," said Holmes-Brackett.  “People should realize that this is not simply a reference list of every possible sexual combination but an order from government to positively promote each and every one.” 

Affirmative Recognition and Role of Families 

Holmes-Bracket "focused on the language in the amended statute with requires ‘affirmative recognition' of every permutation on sexual activity, all of which are listed explicitly in the Bill."

There remains a provision for parents to request a copy of the syllabus of instruction in advance of their minor child taking the Sex Ed course. Having reviewed that material the parent or guardian may exempt their minor child by written request, if they wish.

“That process requires so much attention and legal action by parents as to be an obstacle to the expression of their wishes, not an avenue for it," said Homles-Brackett. 

"The Bill, if passed, will require students as young as those in Grade 6 to receive this positive indoctrination," said the Caucus in their release. "Wording of the statute specifically stipulates subject matter including ‘Pleasure based sexual relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships in discussions and examples.  In addition, comprehensive course instruction shall include gender, gender expression, gender identity, and the harm of negative gender stereotypes."

"The question seems to be, 'Who is the arbiter of social norms of sexuality?' If the answer is the State, rather than the family, the Republican Conservative Caucus denounces this legislative action in the most emphatic terms. Families raise children not the school system or the state," said the caucus.