‘Sex Ed in kindergarten’ Bruch LD 10 campaign issue

Sex is a hot topic in the primary election. Republican Bill Bruch, of La Conner, has made “No State Government Mandated K-12 Sex-Ed” a central issue in his campaign for the LD 10 Position 2 seat held by Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor. In a June 10 blog, Bruch again mentioned the “terrible sex-ed bill passed by Dave Paul and State Democrats to have mandatory sex education curriculum beginning in Kindergarten.” A mailing Bruch sent to voters last week has generated strong criticism from area residents. See letters, page 2 and 3.

Bill history and summary

SB 5395 - 2019-20 is “Concerning comprehensive sexual health education.” It was requested by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal before the 2019 legislative session. It passed both legislative chambers in March 2020, was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee and was to take effect in June.

The bill summary states it “requires every public school (K-12) to provide comprehensive sexual health education, which is evidence-informed, medically and scientifically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive of all members of protected classes by September 1, 2021.”

The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website has this information: “Senate Bill 5395, as passed by the Legislature, will require all schools to provide comprehensive sexual health education (CSHE). CSHE is defined in the bill as: Recurring instruction in human development and reproduction that is age-appropriate and inclusive of all students."

“The only required content is: “In grades K-3, instruction must be in Social Emotional Learning – learning skills to do things like cope with feelings, set goals and get along with others. (Note: there is no sexuality content required for students in grades K-3).”

The bill summary states it “allows parents or legal guardians to excuse their child from planned instruction in comprehensive sexual health education through a written request.”

The Senate bill had 17 co-sponsors, out of 28 Democrats. The bill passed 28-21.

The House bill, HB 1407, had 36 co-sponsors, out of 57 Democrats. The bill passed 56-40. Paul voted yes.

Sponsor Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Federal Way, said after passage: “Some people hear the words ‘sex education’ and mistake the focus of the curriculum, which is health and safety, and is age-appropriate for each grade level.” Wilson is vice chair of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.

A citizens initiative as a veto referendum to prevent SB 5395 from becoming law is on the Nov. 3 ballot as Referendum 90, the Sex Education in Public Schools Measure. If Referendum 90 is rejected, with a no vote, the bill will not become law.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction’s website: www.K12.wa.us. Search for SB 5395.