Tennessee: Holding hands is a gateway to sex

[-TSS-]

Tennessee has a sexual-education which advices youngsters to total abstinence before marriage. It has mentioned a number of things which can lead to sexual activity and therefore those things are unacceptable. Now they have added holding hands to the list of those things.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/04/13/463317/tennessee-anti-hand-holding/?mobile=nc

[Guest American Woman]

Tennessee has a sexual-education which advices youngsters to total abstinence before marriage. It has mentioned a number of things which can lead to sexual activity and therefore those things are unacceptable. Now they have added holding hands to the list of those things.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/04/13/463317/tennessee-anti-hand-holding/?mobile=nc

From what I've read, the bill itself doesn't specifically define what may be considered "gateway sexual activity," and therefore does not include any such list (emphasis mine):

Although Senate Bill 3310 does not specifically define what "gateway sexual activity" comprises,

many have interpreted the phrase

to include discouragement of anything that has potential to lead to sex -- including kissing, hand-holding and cuddling.

link

So the "hand holding" bit is apparently just some people's interpretation of the bill.

Edited April 14, 2012 by American Woman

[Shady]

So the "hand holding" bit is apparently just some people's interpretation of the bill.

Exactly. But this propaganda doesn't suprise me coming from Think Progress. It's what they do.

[The_Squid]

Is this what "small government" should be concerned with? Are they also going to pass a bill on how math should be taught?

They do know that abstinence only educating doesn't work, don't they? Or do they just not care what is best public policy?

Although abstinence from sexual intercourse represents a healthy behavioral choice for adolescents, policies or programs offering “abstinence only” or “abstinence until marriage” as a single option for adolescents are scientifically and ethically flawed.

http://www.moappp.org/Documents/articles/2006/SantelliAbstinenceonlyEducationReviewPaper.pdf

Here is the bill: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/SB3310.pdf

(7) “Gateway sexual activity” means sexual contact encouraging an individual to engage in a non-abstinent behavior. A person promotes a gateway sexual activity by encouraging, advocating, urging or condoning gateway sexual activities;

(1) If a student receives instruction by an instructor or organization promotes gateway sexual activity or demonstrates sexual activity, as prohibited under this part, then the parent or legal guardian shall have a cause of action against that instructor or organization for actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs;

No explicit definition, but if anyone dares teach it they will be sued for damaging the children!

[Guest American Woman]

Is this what "small government" should be concerned with? Are they also going to pass a bill on how math should be taught?

I'm sure they have. Do you think the provincial governments in Canada don't have guidelines as to what should be taught in math in the public schools?

They do know that abstinence only educating doesn't work, don't they? Or do they just not care what is best public policy?

Obviously they don't "know that." If they did, do you think they would be for teaching abstinence only? Some people are really afraid that if you teach them about birth control they'll feel more free to engage in sex.

Here is the bill: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/SB3310.pdf

No explicit definition, but if anyone dares teach it they will be sued for damaging the children!

That's nothing more than your opinion; and while I personally oppose the bill, what you're saying here is no less 'sensationalism' than those who oppose free choice re: abortion saying 'everyone will have abortions, it'll be used as birth control, even at nine months into the pregnancy.'

Edited April 14, 2012 by American Woman

[Shady]

Obviously they don't "know that." If they did, do you think they would be for teaching abstinence only? Some people are really afraid that if you teach them about birth control they'll feel more free to engage in sex.

I think it depends on what age they're being taught. Most parents would rather not have their 7 year old learn about birth control.

[Guest American Woman]

I think it depends on what age they're being taught. Most parents would rather not have their 7 year old learn about birth control.

I doubt they are teaching sex education to 7 year olds in Tennessee, but regardless, the "abstinence only" law in isn't restricted to 7 year olds.

[Shady]

I doubt they are teaching sex education to 7 year olds in Tennessee, but regardless, the "abstinence only" law in isn't restricted to 7 year olds.

True, but I didn't think they were teaching only abstinence in this case. Anyways, I don't see the harm in teaching this, along with other things depending on the age. In Ontario, we had a government that actually tried to institute curriculum involving same-sex marriage, masturbation, oral and anal sex to 5th and 6th graders. As you can imagine, it didn't sit well with too many people.

[punked]

True, but I didn't think they were teaching only abstinence in this case. Anyways, I don't see the harm in teaching this, along with other things depending on the age. In Ontario, we had a government that actually tried to institute curriculum involving same-sex marriage, masturbation, oral and anal sex to 5th and 6th graders. As you can imagine, it didn't sit well with too many people.

I'll tell you what I learned about masturbation in grade 6 the easy way. Seriously can you believe teaching kids about their changing bodies at the same time their bodies are changing? The gall.

[Shady]

I'll tell you what I learned about masturbation in grade 6 the easy way. Seriously can you believe teaching kids about their changing bodies at the same time their bodies are changing? The gall.

I know that it's probably a little weird to you. But most parent's would rather their 5th or 6th grade child not be taught about oral or anal sex. The gall.

[punked]

I know that it's probably a little weird to you. But most parent's would rather their 5th or 6th grade child not be taught about oral or anal sex. The gall.

So as long as it was limited to say straight sex education you would be fine it at grade 6?

[Shady]

So as long as it was limited to say straight sex education you would be fine it at grade 6?

What do you mean by straight sex education?

[punked]

What do you mean by straight sex education?

I don't know sex education which explains the ins and outs of an ever changing body as well as the repercussions of of decisions along with the alternatives to abstinence. Basically what I am asking is are you ok with Sexual education at the age when puberty is happening.

[Shady]

I don't know sex education which explains the ins and outs of an ever changing body as well as the repercussions of of decisions along with the alternatives to abstinence. Basically what I am asking is are you ok with Sexual education at the age when puberty is happening.

Yeah sure, if you mean the usual bird and the bees type of thing. I don't think oral and anal sex needs to be part of that though. Either does homosexual marriage. Later on I suppose.

[punked]

Yeah sure, if you mean the usual bird and the bees type of thing. I don't think oral and anal sex needs to be part of that though. Either does homosexual marriage. Later on I suppose.

Now here is the question is that because you think that children can be influenced to engage these activities if they learn about them? Or what is it that makes those things unacceptable but penis vagina sex is ok?

[BubberMiley]

Yeah sure, if you mean the usual bird and the bees type of thing. I don't think oral and anal sex needs to be part of that though. Either does homosexual marriage. Later on I suppose.

Sex education is always taught at the discretion of the parents anyway. They have to sign a permission form. So I guess, once again, you are relying on misleading information.

[punked]

Sex education is always taught at the discretion of the parents anyway. They have to sign a permission form. So I guess, once again, you are relying on misleading information.

But Shady doesn't want to have a say in his owns children's Education he wants to be able to dictate what your kids learn as well. It is the usual big government stuff from Shady you know.

[-TSS-]

I think it speaks volumes that those states which endorse "abstinence-only"-policies have the highest teenage pregancy-rates.

Edited April 14, 2012 by -TSS-

[Shady]

Now here is the question is that because you think that children can be influenced to engage these activities if they learn about them?

I have no idea. But that's not why I'm against teaching anal sex to 5th graders. I just don't think it's necessary.

Or what is it that makes those things unacceptable but penis vagina sex is ok?

Like I said, one thing isn't necessary, the other is.

Sex education is always taught at the discretion of the parents anyway. They have to sign a permission form. So I guess, once again, you are relying on misleading information.

Nope, just relying on what the province of Ontario wanted to teach to young children.

[Michael Hardner]

I think the real problem we need to speak out against is hyperbole and exaggeration.

[Shady]

I think the real problem we need to speak out against is hyperbole and exaggeration.

Forsure.

[punked]

I have no idea. But that's not why I'm against teaching anal sex to 5th graders. I just don't think it's necessary.

Like I said, one thing isn't necessary, the other is.

Question do you think it will do them harm to learn about it?

[Guest American Woman]

I think it speaks volumes that those states which endorse "abstinence-only"-policies have the highest teenage pregancy-rates.

I know that's how it's presented in the media, and while there's some truth to it, it's not exactly the total picture either. California, for example, is among the top 10 states with the highest teen pregnancy rates - while Tennessee is not.

[Guest American Woman]

Question do you think it will do them harm to learn about it?

It could. What do you propose should be taught about it? In other words, what would be the purpose of teaching them about it? - do you think it should be taught strictly be in regards to teaching them about homosexuality?

[Shakeyhands]

I think Tennessee should go a step further and add "birth" to things that can lead to sex... no sense leaving anything out at all.

People should know ALL of the gateway activities!