AB 281 was introduced in the California Assembly in late January by Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher. The legislation, according to California Family Council, would ensure that parents "can inspect and copy comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education materials, be informed about guest speakers, and receive clear notifications regarding their right to opt their children out of these lessons."
In a statement voicing his support for AB 281, CFC vice president Greg Burt says the bill is "commonsense reform" that "restores parents to their rightful place" as the primary educators of their children.
"Schools should be partnering with parents, not working against them," he argues. "No school should ever hide or obscure curriculum from the very people entrusted with raising these children."
Brad Dacus of Pacific Justice Institute tells AFN that too often parents have been denied access to controversial sex-ed materials being taught to their children. AB 281, he explains, came about because there is a need for clear legislative reform.
"This legislation will … provide more parental easy access to such curriculum materials, more transparency with regards to guest speakers, and clear notifications and opt-outs made available to parents throughout public schools in California," says the PJI president.
PJI provides opt-out forms that Dacus says will provide some protection for families.
Because the California legislature is dominated by left-leaning Democrats, Dacus believes the deck is stacked against passage of this bill.
"We also have a governor who has historically been very much beholden to the radical Left and the LGBTQ movement," he adds. "With the cries of parents heard this last election, maybe some legislators will feel endowed to listen to parents."
The measure did receive bipartisan support, albeit it minimal, on Wednesday (March 12) during its first committee hearing when it was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
