RALEIGH (AP) ó A proposal to expand sex education in North Carolina schools has been approved by a House panel after a debate about sexually transmitted disease and divine intent.
The House Health Committee on Thursday backed creating a two-track system for sex education in grades seven through nine. The bill would give parents the option of the current curriculum focused on abstinence until marriage or one that also discusses contraception.
The bill next heads to a vote by the full House.
State health director Jeff Engle said most people have sex before marriage and need information to protect themselves.
Christian Action League director Mark Creech said the Bible forbade sex outside marriage, and that eliminates the risks.