In recent years, federal funding of abstinence only until marriage sex education has limited the ability of local schools to teach age appropriate, medically accurate sex education to their students. Senate Bill 2267 provides an opportunity for local schools and community groups to provide comprehensive, responsible sex education to young people in our state. The measure was approved by the Senate Health and Human Service Committee earlier this month and now is on the floor for a vote by the full Senate.

Please call your state senator and urge him/her to support Senate Bill 2267! Call the Capitol Switchboard at (217) 782-2000 and ask to be connected to your state senator.

Senate Bill 2267 addresses concerns that arise when local school districts are only able to access abstinence only until marriage materials that fail to provide students with information they need to make responsible decisions to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies. The program, to be administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, requires school districts to teach that abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.

You can read more about Senate Bill 2267 at http://www.aclu-il.org/legislative/alerts/sb2267.pdf.

If you are interested in doing more to advance this legislation, circle next Tuesday, February 28th on your calendar! That is the day that advocates are gathering in Springfield to lobby for Responsible Sex Education. The Illinois Campaign is leading the event for Responsible Sex Education. If you require further information or to participate, please contact Adaku Utah at adaku@icah.org or call 312-427-4460 ext 236.

If you are not certain about who represents your Senate district, you can look up your State Senator at http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1.