Wis. prosecutor: Teachers risk arrest over new sex-ed classes

[pauldun170]

Wis. prosecutor: Teachers risk arrest over new sex-ed classes
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A Wisconsin district attorney has warned schools in his county that if they proceed with new state sex-education courses, teachers could face criminal charges for encouraging minors to have sex, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth said a new state law that requires students learn to use condoms and other contraceptives "promotes the sexualization — and sexual assault — of our children." In his March 24 letter to five school districts, Southworth, a Republican, said teachers could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors. He urged school officials to suspend the program, which takes effect in the fall, and transfer the anatomy curriculum to a science course.

Here are a couple of excerpts from his letter:

"If a teacher instructs any student aged 16 or younger how to utilize contraceptives under circumstances where the teacher knows the child is engaging in sexual activity with another child -- or even where the 'natural and probable consequences' of the teacher's instruction is to cause that child to engage in sexual intercourse with a child -- that teacher can be charged under this statute" of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. ...

"Forcing our schools to instruct children on how to utilize contraceptives encourages our children to engage in sexual behavior, whether as a victim or an offender," he wrote. "It is akin to teaching children about alcohol use, then instructing them on how to make mixed alcoholic drinks."

He said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel that he could not say how likely he would be to file charges, saying it would depend on the specifics of any case.

"I'm not looking to charge any teachers," he said. "I've got enough work to do."

The paper spoke to a co-author of the legislation. She called the DA's letter "irresponsible" and said it was "laughable to think teachers could be charged for telling students how to use contraception."

"Using condoms isn't a crime for anyone," said Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison. "This guy is not a credible legal source on this matter, I'm sorry to say. His purpose is to intimidate and create enough panic in the minds of school administrators that they'll turn their backs on young people and their families."

The new law continues to let parents remove their children from sex-ed classes, and schools can also not offer such instruction. One district that received the letter said it had not taught sex ed for years.

(Posted by Michael Winter)
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...x-ed-classes/1

[karl_1052]

I wonder what the teenage pregnancy rate is in that county.

[sherri_chickie]

Back to the dark ages... that is ridiculous! I have to teach sex ed this term and although I am not exactly looking forward to it, I do look forward to being able to clear up any misconceptions the kids have. If I can prevent one teen pregnancy by clarifying a myth or giving some info, I will have done my job well.

[Rangerscott]

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

[Papa_Complex]

Instructing teens on the proper use of condoms encourages them to have sex, just like giving away clean needles makes people take up heroine

[sherri_chickie]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Instructing teens on the proper use of condoms encourages them to have sex, just like giving away clean needles makes people take up heroine

This!!!

[pauldun170]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

[wildchild]

Originally Posted by karl_1052

I wonder what the teenage pregnancy rate is in that county.

Let's just say it's not one of our shining examples of great life counties.

we sure do make the news a lot lately. at least we didn't make the list for most dangerous yet though. I guess they'll keep trying.

[Apoc]

For fuck sakes. Seriously, its time for people to pull their heads out of their ass, and step out of the fucking dark ages!


I cant understand how teaching kids to have safe sex is a fucking crime! People need to get over themselves. Teens have sex. Teens have always had sex. At least this isnt a problem up here.

American Conservatives really need to step into reality, and stop trying to make the bible their main source of guidance regarding sex and lifestyle.

[Smittie61984]

Originally Posted by Rangerscott

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

That's why I prefer safer methods like Pull-n-Pray. It has the benefit of birth control and religion.

I don't think the sex-ed shit should be taught in school. Not because of religion but because it's a waste of education. Let the parents do what parents are suppose to do and parent their own damn kid. If they want to tell their kids that God kills a kitten everytime you use a condom then fine. But let the schools do what they do best and teach your kids how to read (such as reading the instructions that come with the condom), write (such as an apology for trying to sneak it into your ass), and add (for example the costs of raising a kid). Parents can do what they do best (and are suppose to do), and raise their kids to their moral standards.

That seems like a simple solution to me.