SALT LAKE CITY -- Teachers would be prohibited from instructing students about contraceptives, homosexuality or premarital sex under a bill that has passed the Utah House.
Republican bill sponsor Rep. Bill Wright of Holden says students should be taught that abstinence is the only way to prevent sexually-transmitted diseases or pregnancy.
Wright says lawmakers need to make it clear that an abstinence-only curriculum is the only acceptable method for sexual education.
House Bill 363 passed 45-28 Wednesday.
Democratic Rep. Brian King of Salt Lake City says lawmakers are naove to think most teenagers will remain chaste before marriage. Instead, schools should encourage abstinence but also help students understand the dangers of sexual activity and how to protect themselves.
King says the fear and ignorance of lawmakers hurts teenagers by withholding important information.
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