Fundamentalists Lose Battle to Change Sex Education Plan
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SACRAMENTO — Christian fundamentalists failed in their attempt to change new sex education guidelines that they claim could promote homosexual lifestyles, but they said they will regroup for another try this summer.
The state Curriculum Commission, which advises the State Board of Education, approved health education guidelines Thursday without deleting sex education sections attacked by conservative groups.
The 94-page plan will go to the Board of Education, where the biggest battle will be waged.
Conservative groups were not appeased by changes the commission made in response to criticism at a public hearing Wednesday. The changes included strengthening references to traditional families, resisting peer pressure for early sexual activity and notifying parents their children are entering sex education classes.
The commission retained a controversial section that says “family” is now applied to many situations, including “households headed by partners of the same sex.”
“Homosexuality is not acceptable to present to young, impressionable children and teen-agers as a viable lifestyle,” said the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition.
The commission action was applauded by other groups.
“This is a victory. The commission did not cave in to the far right,” said Michael Hudson of the People for the American Way.
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