Did Tennessee Really Pass a ‘No Holding Hands’ Law?
- Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:32pm by
Mytheos Holt
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Spurred by a classroom demonstration involving a sex toy, Tennessee recently enacted a pro-abstinence sex education law that is among the strictest in the nation.
The most debated section of the bill bars educators from promoting “gateway sexual activity.” But supporters seemed too squeamish during floor debate to specify what that meant, so critics soon labeled it the “no holding-hands bill.”
One thing missing from the debate in the Legislature was a discussion of whether the law signed by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam last month really would help reduce Tennessee’s high teenage pregnancy rate. Experts say it won’t and warn that it leaves teenagers inadequately educated about sexuality and prevention of pregnancy and disease.
Tennessee’s pregnancy rate among girls 15 to 17 has dropped steadily since the first abstinence-focused sex education curriculum was put in place in the 1990s, according to figures from the state Commission on Children and Youth. In 2009, the latest data available, there were 29.6 pregnancies per 1,000 girls, down from a rate of 48.2 in 1998.
Yet the state’s teen pregnancy rate remains one of the highest in the nation, according to the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health research organization.
Elizabeth Nash, state issues manager for the institute, said state lawmakers across the country began considering more comprehensive sex education programs that talked about abstinence, but also included contraception, about 10 years ago.
Despite declining pregnancy rates around the country, Nash said, there’s been a shift by states over the past two years to promote abstinence-only education. A Utah bill that would have prohibited any discussion of contraception or homosexuality in sex education classes passed the Legislature but was vetoed by the governor.
“Our perspective is that comprehensive sex education is appropriate and necessary for young people,” she said.
“What we know … from the research is that comprehensive sex education works. It delays sexual activity, it reduces the number of partners teens have, and it increases contraceptive use. There is very little in the way of any rigorous research that shows that abstinence education has any of these long-term benefits.”
Barry Chase, president of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region, agreed.
“This bill ties the hands of educators in Tennessee and will prevent them from providing the comprehensive education that students want and need and their parents expect,” he said.
Rep. Jim Gotto, who sponsored the legislation, disputed the way the bill is being characterized.
“It’s not abstinence-only education,” said the Nashville Republican. “I’m so sick of people trying to spin it as that … because they don’t like it. The law does specify that the curriculum has to be abstinence-focused, but they can talk about contraception.”
Proponents contend abstinence is the most reliable way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Tennessee education officials have said abstinence is already defined in the state’s statute, and Haslam said he decided to sign the bill after they assured him it changed little.
But Sen. Jack Johnson, a Franklin Republican who sponsored the bill in his chamber, said the old law was too vague.
“We put in tighter definitions, more clearly defined what abstinence-centered and abstinence-based meant,” Johnson said.
The sex ed law now uses the criminal statute on sexual assault to specify acts — such as groping or fondling — that fall under “gateway sexual activity.“ It also says family life curriculum must not ”display or conduct demonstrations with devices specifically manufactured for sexual stimulation.” If such incidents do occur, then a parent can sue and a fine can be imposed of at least $500.
Before the current law, Nashville parent Rodrick Glover thought about legal action in 2010 when he found out an anti-AIDS group had visited his 17-year-old daughter’s class and demonstrated safe oral sex with a sex toy and a condom.
“I teach my child the power of abstinence,” said Glover, whose complaint spurred the drafting of the legislation. “When you start bringing sex toys in, at a point you’re stimulating the kids to have sex.”
The leader of the group whose presentation concerned Glover agrees the material was inappropriate for a high school audience. He said the incident led to new procedures to adhere to school protocols.
“And we’ve had no problems for two years,” said Joseph Interrante, president of Nashville CARES.
Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said Tennessee is ahead of most other states and has closed a loophole.
“I think that is unique in that rather than this legislation just saying there needs to be an emphasis on abstinence education, it also prohibits too explicit sex education from being either put in schools under the guise of abstinence education, or in opposition to an abstinence education program,” she said.
Democratic Rep. John Deberry supported the new limits on what can be covered in sex ed class as a way to help teenagers from going too far.
“When individuals are touching one another’s intimate parts … this is sexual activity that has its ultimate goal of penetration,” said the Memphis Democrat and minister.
Student Josiah Pegues, 14, of Nashville said he’s already made up his mind about sex — for now, at least.
“It’s best to abstain,” said the ninth-grader who aspires to be an FBI agent. “You don’t want to get anyone pregnant or get an STD. It could mess up your future.”
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Comments (50)
Tigress1
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 9:35amLiving in Memphis, TN, I’d say we have more a problem with kids performing lap dances in the classrooms than with holding hands.
Report Post »piper60
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:52amI like the quote from the 14 year old at the end of the article. He’s right, of course, but people need to remember that the child that would be born to a 14 year old would be messed up mentally as well, I’d think.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:29amsocial conservatards strike at peoples freedom again. if they have their way we would just have another version of sharia law.
Report Post »VoteBushIn12
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 2:45pmtrue that
Report Post »BannedByHuffpo
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:15amPre-marital indigitation is a “gateway” activity that ultimately leads to wanton sexual promiscuity.
Report Post »mike
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:52amDid any of you even read the article before commenting? It says we still have sex education which is abstinence based. The goal is to regulate what is taught in the classroom (just like the libs like to teach their brand of socialism) because some “progressive” teachers were bringing in sex toys to the classroom for demos and parents were understandably upset. Teach the kids the basic knowledge and they will learn the rest from the internet, unfortunately. By the way Tennessee has a balanced budget amendment and now a Republican Govenor and Republican majority in the legislature. So make fun if you want, but I am enjoying living in a state with no income tax and leaders with some sense.
Report Post »ThePostman
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:32amMore “alleged” conservatives passing more oppressive laws. Who are these people labeling themselves as conservatives? Wolves in sheep’s clothing!
Report Post »lqtm
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:31amStupid religious fundies want to pretend sex doesn’t exist. Have fun with your skyrocketing teen pregnancy rates. I mean seriously it’s like we never learn. Tell kids no and they will have an even greater desire to do it.
Report Post »Tractorboy
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:51amSo suggesting abstinence, makes for more sin? So your suggestion is reverse psychology, tell them to do it so they won’t? That just seems dumb. Abstinence works ever time it’s tried, plus no rashes or any other creepy crawlies.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:05amI wasn’t aware holding hands made you pregnant. Have I missed something?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:02amHow about a no porn law?
Report Post »freedomofspeech
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 4:14amStrange, for years we have been holding hands, raising kids, riding bikes w/o helmets living our lives and now in the 21st century there are so many law and regulations telling us don’t do this or that. Why now? Why at this age are we treated like numbskulls? With all this new technology I feel as if we are moving backwards in time/space continuum.
Report Post »MRMANN
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 5:37amWe are moving backwards in time, and it’s called “Big Brother.”
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:34amIts really about having them (gays) not being able to hold hands because no one can hold hands…its the law ya know! The nanny state strikes again!
Report Post »Strider9189
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 4:11amI have a thought. We don’t we get the government out of the “sex education” business and let parents do their job.
Report Post »kindling
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:55amI refuse to let my kids take sex ed in school. I have told them all about everything a teen needs to know without going into detail they don’t need to know. We live on a farm and they know everything about animals so they aren’t ignorant. But I tell them all the time, don’t tempt fate because once you get started you will not be able to stop. It is ment to be something between a man and wife on their wedding night, not some teacher that is only telling you so you will want to try. That supports planned parenthood. If you tell them to much they just want to go out and try it.
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:52amLaw sounds good to me and if it continues to help we need to adopt it in all places.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:44amIt has been reported… that about 40% of the people… want the Government to take care of them, from birth to death, assign jobs, and even spouses.
Report Post »mike
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:33amDid any of you morons even read the article before you commented? The state was under pressure from parents to control the sex education curriculum because of some idiotic teachers who took things too far and were bringing ****** and other sex toys into the classroom. Geez, what a bunch of dimwits you are. By the way Tennessee has a Republican govenor and Republican controlled legislature and a law requiring a balanced budget. Guess us hillbillys ain’t as dumb as you think, duh!!!
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:04amYepp this Moron figured it out when he got to the part where “Critics labeled it the no holding- hands bill”Typical leftist tactic ridicule and mis-represent .Along with the paragraph “When individuals touch one anothers intimate parts” I think the idea is for the kids not to be touching ho ho‘s and ding dong’s but they can still hold hands or kiss .
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:47amStupid is not limited to a Political Party… a State… or a Profession!
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 6:36am@ LUKERW~~~ “Stupid is not limited to a Political Party… a State… or a Profession!”
Report Post »~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I would add: or color, or age group, or educational level… ad infinitum, actually.
collegerepublic
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:58pmCan’t believe my state would outlaw holding hands. Don’t worry the people of my state have far more common sense than Haslam thinks, and this won’t last long.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:19amGod… I hope so!
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:33amHow many of these young women come from homes with no father. Single parent households have a higher percentage of teen pregnancy and crime according to the DOJ. Fathers protect your children and tell them how much you love them.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 7:04amIf you are stupid enough not to hold hands, you have been punked. Take your kids out of public schools and they will see who calls the shots.
Report Post »Babci
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:43pmDid anyone notice the stats in the third paragraph of this article about the drop in high school pregnancies after the introduction of abstinence programs? Hey, if it works, go for it.
I was an unwed pregnant teenager. Bad way to start my adult life. I’d tell anyone who asked to abstain until marriage…avoids so many problemsm not just pregnancy. All that sex with long-forgotten boys seems pretty sordid when you get out 20 or 30 years from it. Wish I’d waited…
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:27amI would think… that your Economic Condition… makes a big difference. What girl listens to her Parents when she is in Love? Yet, why should anyone be Blamed! People will do what they want to do out of Free Will & Choice… which means taking Responsibility for the Consequences!
Report Post »Maxim Crux
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:40pmHow do you stop a cow from screwing another cow? Answer…you don’t, bulls screw cows! These politicians are stupid…more nonsense like the stupid joke. Government needs to stay out of the education system, stop penalizing heterosexual couples that are married with penalty taxes and stop encouraging sex without the understanding that there is a bond between a man and a woman which makes the act more special than just a one night entertainment gig.
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:02pmPedophilies are what we call adults who act like that and are not talking birds n bees to their own children but also talking sex toys too, What gives these peole the right and do they feel comforttable discussing this subject with little kids ? Granted these were 14 and 17 yrs old but the other stories recently of children much much younger is sick, planned parenthood libs want kids to explore so they can perform more abortions.Job Security!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:21pmThe Bible gives that 13 is the age Adulthood… but people like to extend this, as Advanced Education… because Teachers can take care of Babies for a while longer. Culture is not applied Science. In fact, studies always show that Physical Contact leads to more Social Beings… and Isolation leads to Abnormality!
Report Post »db321
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:35pmWow, so Tennessee has a balanced budget and they got everything else under control in their State. Otherwise, this is the stupidest passing of any Bill lately. Residents, it is time to take you state back from these Liberal wacko otherwise you get what you get.
Report Post »RetiredAmericanNavyTaxpayer
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:41pm@LUKERW
“The Bible gives that 13 is the age Adulthood……”
Ok with that, but implicit with that is – to borrow from Robin Hood, Men in Tights – “No ding ding until you first get a wedding ring”.
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:45pmDon’t see too many 13 yr olds getting married in this country do you maybe a muslim or eastern culture but not here.They should not have had to pass this law but the parents should be doing the job not teachers otherwise why not just let the state have them to raise as it sees fit on a commune.They are not outlawing holding hands just keep hands off the privates ,don’t we tell our kids to tell us about someone touching them
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:18amYou do not see… what is forbidden by Law. We have a Culture… that created Child Labor Laws and Manditory Education. But, in times before… Contracts for Marriage were even created at Birth… and Kings married at age 11. I am just saying… it is a Numbers Game… and not based upon a sense of an Absolute Event… but dependent upon local thinking. Yet, when you create a Law… there will be Violation… and someone will have to Punished — For What? — When there was no Crime before… nor elsewhere!
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:51amOk LUKERW I get what you are saying and agree to an extent but that might lead to libs thinking like many do that anything goes if it feels good it’s all good. But hypothetical scenario; there is no law against sticking your fourskn in a bear trap ,Is it a good idea.. well it won’t turn out very good and when you get to the hospital so will law enforcement who will take you to the P.E : )
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:55amThere are Consequences to everything in Life. But, I detest the idea that we might need Prisons for 7 year olds… or more homes for them, as their Parents are in Prison.
Rather that worrying about Sex Education… we should be worried about Education for Thinking, Predicting Results, Responsibility, and Consequences. Then, the correct behavior just might follow.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:00pmJust show the girls photos of Lawrence O’Donnell and the boys photos of Debbie Wassermann-Schultz.
That should cure the problem. : )
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:57pmstop letting underage girls get on wellfare for getting pregnant, make the parents be responsible for their daughters and sons who got them pg and I bet the rates would drop even more
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:21amCut off all welfare and make them pay for having their babies instead of the taxpayer…
Report Post »IOWAGIR
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:56pmWTH??? Sex ed. sure has changed a lot since I was in school. That’s just down right creepy!
Report Post »marine249
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:54pmI’am 70+ when I was in school we did not have
Report Post »sex ed. When I was in 6th or 7th grade, I had a
ring that showed thur my wallet. I never used it
during my school years. But I knew what it was
for. Never needed a skinny legged old hag to
tell me about it.
Prosecute_Constitutional_Treason_In_Washington
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:51pmThis is the parents responsibility. Parents need to train their children purity.
Report Post »Prosecute_Constitutional_Treason_In_Washington
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:49pmGreat law but not the gov. job to police. This is an issue for parents to tackle at home. The Bible says it’s not good for a young man to touch a girl. If parents would follow God’s plan life would be so much better for families.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 3:18amWhat about a hot chic touching a young man?
Report Post »AND WHAT IF (GASP) HE LIKES IT?!
unsafe
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:44pmWho in the holy H#ll do these people think they are kings and queens its time to put a cap on our government.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:50pmSelf Centered Fascists… see themselves as Intellectually Superior… thereby able to Direct all others upon how to Conform to their Model of Behavior: Programmed Robots.
We are Unique Individuals, with various needs & desires, and One Size does not fit all!
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