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Tennessee Passes Tough New Pro-Abstinence Sex Education Law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 24, 2012)--Tennessee recently enacted a pro-abstinence sex education law that is among the strictest in the nation.

It was spurred by a classroom demonstration involving a sex toy.

The most-debated section of the bill bars educators from promoting so-called "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 that Republican Gov. Bill Haslam signed last month really would help reduce Tennessee's high teenage pregnancy rate.

Experts say it won't.

They say it leaves teenagers inadequately educated about sexuality and prevention of pregnancy and disease.


Poll Question

A new poll finds teens are sharing more about themselves on social media and moving to Twitter to avoid parents. How closely do you monitor your children’s use of social media such as Facekbook?

Very closely
Closely
Somewhat closely
Very little
Don’t monitor
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