The Governor is skeptical about a warning to schools that teaching about contraceptives could result in prosecution. The Juneau County District Attorney sent a letter to several school districts this week, warning them that following new sex education guidelines could lead to criminal charges for encouraging illegal sexual activity.
The standards signed into law earlier this year by Governor Jim Doyle require sex ed courses to also include information about contraceptives, which the D.A. contends could encourage minors to have sex.
Governor Doyle says it’s a bizarre legal argument and people should understand that they likely won’t be charged with a crime for following something that is a state law.
Schools have the option not to teach sex ed at all, if they don’t want to include information about contraceptives. However, the Governor doesn’t think many will choose that option. He says abstinence is still a good lesson to teach students, but kids are going to make their own decisions about sex, and it’s best to have information that can help protect them.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:01)