A Faith Based Case for Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Unitarian Universalists have long been vocal advocates within our own circle for effective comprehensive sexuality education in the public schools. While we can discuss the value and need at great lengths within our own venue, given the current political climate it seems appropriate that we should reiterate our commitment to comprehensive sexuality education outside this comfort zone. We need to let people, lawmakers, and the children who we support, know that the issue of comprehensive sex education is a core belief of our faith.

This can be a slippery slope. In stating that it is a core belief of our faith, are we not bringing religion into the schools? This depends on how it is worded. Consider these facts. We as a faith support the REAL Act, (Responsible Education About Life) which would establish the first ever funding stream for medically accurate, comprehensive sexuality education. This commitment was an Action of Immediate Witness at GA 2007. Currently, there is no dedicated federal funding for comprehensive sexuality education in schools. However, from 1996 through federal fiscal year 2007, Congress committed more than $1.4 billion dollars (through both federal and state matching funds) to abstinence-only-until-marriage programs; meanwhile, zero dollars went to comprehensive sex education which includes abstinence education.

Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs reflect and promote the socially conservative “values” agenda put forward by ultraconservative members of Congress. Program guidelines explicitly prohibit any discussion of contraceptives, except for failure rates. They must teach, among other things, that “sexual activity outside of marriage may have harmful psychological and physical effects” and that “a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in the context of marriage” is the expected standard for all school-age children. Failure of states to comply with these guidelines results in denial of funds. In a time where financially strapped school districts are frantically searching for program funding, these constraints are no more than federal blackmail.

It would be foolish to assume the position that abstinence-only programs are not religiously biased. Values-based education commonly is, and the bulk of abstinence-only education is supported by conservative religious organizations. These organizations often claim that they are “pro-family”, as if to imply that those who oppose their agenda are the opposite. One could ask if we should enter that same arena with a liberal religious belief of supporting comprehensive sex education. There is a difference. While our belief is supported by a liberal religious tradition, comprehensive sex education is defined as a program that is honest, medically accurate, complete, age-appropriate and culturally sensitive. This definition is based on support from the medical, educational, scientific, parental and religious community. If we support a platform that is defined within these parameters, then we cannot be at risk of promoting a religious agenda and crossing the line between church and state.

When considering the platforms of both political parties it is important to remain non-partisan in advocating for this issue. To separate it as either conservative or liberal is to buy in to the divisive nature that the media loves to fuel. Regardless of party affiliation, UU’s need to oppose any laws that would impose specific religious views on either us or our families, especially when it involves the public schools. To keep a comprehensive sexuality education program out of the public schools is to deny our children the knowledge that they need to make responsible choices about their health as they age. The appropriate curriculum needs to be presented in a way that maintains the guarantees of our constitution regarding religious freedom. Both parties need to embrace the ideal of addressing the public health agenda through all avenues, including comprehensive sexuality education in our public schools. 

Comprehensive sexuality education helps teens make healthy decisions, reduces the number of unintended teen pregnancies, and reduces the need for abortion. In the lower grades this program teaches awareness, appropriate sexual contact, and health and nutrition for strong bodies. Major faith traditions representing millions of Americans support comprehensive sexuality education. The time has come for Unitarian Universalists, to speak loudly and proudly about our support for this issue in our public schools. We must maintain an active dialogue with our congregations, lawmakers, neighbors, and school districts. It is imperative that we do this not only for the health and well being of our children but for the success of the greater community regarding life-long health based on a foundation of education.