By: Journalist Hayden Grubbs
Rep. Rebekah Williams (NWOSU) and Sen. Carrington Kline (NWOSU) got their “Comprehensive Sex Education” act of 2024 to pass the House, but through a heated tie-breaking decision, the bill failed 6-7 in the Senate.
The popular motion throughout both hearings this bill went through was that many senators and representatives agreed comprehensive sex education is good. This education is often seen as a better alternative to gaining this information from movies, friends or adult content.
One senator who was positive about this idea was Sen. Chloe Dent (OBU).
“I think it’s really important that all schools in the U.S. that students are taught age-appropriate sex education,” Sen. Dent said. “For the purposes to spot predators, coercion and to know how their bodies work and not just for sex.”
Sen. Katrina Briggs (ORU) voted against the bill.
“I did like a lot of the content, such as the parent consent where they could opt in or out of these programs,” Sen. Briggs said. “I disagreed in the section penalties because I don’t think the fine should fall on the superintendent.”
Co-author of the bill, Rep. Rebekah Williams (NWOSU), said she was understanding of reservations.
“While I am sad it didn’t pass, I totally understand their reasonings for it, and I would love to bring it back next session,” Rep. Williams said.
The passion felt by this representative was further elaborated on.
“Children should have the information about their bodies and should be able to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives,” Rep. Williams said.
With mass majority support in the House and a near 50% of support from the Senate, this is a bill to keep an eye out for next session.