District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett will host a meeting Feb. 3 about the comprehensive sex education bill likely to be introduced again during the 2020 session.

Bennett, R-Albert Lea, has been a vocal opponent against the bill, which had strong support from DFLers during the last session.

“There is no reason that state government should take over the sex education instruction of our children,” Bennett said in a press release. “Sex education is a very personal and sensitive subject and parents hold widely diverse views on what, how and when it should be taught. Decisions like this belong in the hands of local parents, teachers and school boards — not in the hands of our state agencies.”

Bennett will provide information about the bill, along with Julie Quist of the Child Protection League, during the meeting, which is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in Room 109 of Brookside Education Center, 211 W. Richway Drive in Albert Lea.

Proponents have said comprehensive sex education has been proven to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections and that sex education taught across the state currently is inconsistent and inadequate. Districts presently decide for themselves the sexual education standards.

Bennett said in the release that under the comprehensive sex education curriculum examples she has reviewed, “the program encourages sexual exploration as early as age 10, along with the understanding that consensual sexual activity and pleasure is their ‘right.’” 

“To be clear, I am not opposed to sex education, but this goes too far,” Bennett said. “This is not sex education — it is the early sexualization of our children. I strongly encourage interested residents to come out on Monday, Feb. 3 to learn more about this proposal and how it will impact our children.”