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Letter: There is an ironic cycle that delays comprehensive sex education in Utah

(Alexie Zollinger | Amplify Utah) Informational materials regarding sex education provided by the Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center and the Center for Health and Counseling.

Sex. Ooh, did I scare you? Though a shared human experience, the expansion of education on this topic has led to a tremendous political war between liberals and religious citizens – a majority of Utahns.

My AP U.S. Government class at East High, upon the decision to take on this fixed curriculum centering on abstinence and promote a more comprehensive one, invited Rep. Brian King of the 28th District into our classroom. Rep. King advocated for a sex-ed reform bill in 2017, and though it was a fairly conservative ask, it ultimately did not pass.

Sex shocks religion, which, unfortunately, shepherds the GOP of Utah. Rep. King told us his belief that for lawmakers to support a similar bill, religious leaders would need to vocalize a more progressive view on sex. Whether a member of the LDS Church or not, each student in that class was decidedly against attempting to encourage a religion to change their practices.

Separation between church and state is only a concept in Utah. Still, our class wants to destigmatize sex and develop a curriculum that would most assuredly lower teen pregnancies. Admittedly, abstinence is the best personal choice to reduce the chance of pregnancy. However, it is not the only option, and we must stop pretending it is a realistic option for all people. Otherwise, a shameful atmosphere will continue to be fostered.

Is separation between church and state realistic? Is the only way for Utah to progress socially — as the rest of the western world has done — to hope one faith disregards its doctrine? There is an ironic cycle that delays comprehensive public sex education: We celebrate freedom of religion, so no one expects change within the LDS beliefs, yet the LDS Church inadvertently encroaches upon Utah policies and thereby lessens the freedom state should have from religion.

Elise Jarvis, Salt Lake City

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