March 17, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON – Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today introduced the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act, a bill that designates federal funds for age-appropriate and medically accurate information to help young people make informed decisions about their relationships and sexual behavior. Research has shown that comprehensive sex education programs help reduce risk behaviors by delaying the onset of sexual intercourse, reducing the number of sexual partners and increasing condom or contraceptive use among teens.
The following can be attributed to Vania Leveille, ACLU Legislative Counsel:
“The REAL Act is a necessary antidote to counterproductive abstinence-only-until-marriage programs that spread misinformation, marginalize gay and lesbian youth and reinforce gender stereotypes. Young people need real help – not worn out ideological or political agendas – to make decisions that will prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.
“Thanks to the leadership of Representative Lee and Senator Lautenberg, this legislation will help fund effective comprehensive sex education in schools.”
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