Alabama's Sex Ed Bill Vote: Abstinence Only

0:00Alabama's House of Representatives gears up for a big vote Tuesday on a bill that would totally reshape sex education in kindergarten through 12th grade public schools. Senate bill 209 pushes for sexual risk avoidance only, making abstinence the sole focus to dodge pregnancies and STDs. No sex ed classes allow for kids in kindergarten up to 4th grade. The vote got pushed back from last Thursday when leaders adjourned early, but they promised to tackle it this Tuesday during the final week of the two, 1026 session. Sponsored by state Senator Shay Shelnut from Trust Bill and carried in the House by representative Susan Dubose from Hoover, it amps up current laws that already stress abstinence as the top protection. Democrats in the House are gearing up to fight it hard, just like they did against Dubose's past pushes on this. Shelnut argues it's about cutting out inappropriate lessons and sticking to science abstinence as the 100% sure way to stay safe. The bill slams the door on sexually explicit images, demos of birth control, info on getting

1:04contraception or abortions, or any input from groups, pushing comprehensive sex ed or abortion services. Parents get full notice on what's taught, plus the rights of pull their kids out anytime. With the session winding down, this vote could lock in these changes statewide, so eyes stay glued on Montgomery to see how it plays out. That's your update from Birmingham News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.