FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CPC Applauds Passage of Parental Rights in Education Act
Date: March 17, 2023
Contact: Richard Nelson – richard@commonwealthpolicy.org
(Frankfort, KY) – “Commonwealth Policy Center is pleased that the Kentucky General Assembly passed commonsense legislation that protects both children and parental rights with the passage of SB 150,” said CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson. “We believe that children should not be sexualized in elementary grades with controversial, objectionable material that promotes radical gender ideology which tells them they can transcend their biological born sex.”
The bill keeps sex-ed out of the K-5 classroom and requires parental consent for grades 6-12. “We favor age-appropriate instruction,” Nelson said. “But elementary school children are not mentally and emotionally ready for the introduction of sex-ed. Parents should have a say when controversial material is introduced in public schools after fifth grade.”
SB 150 addressed controversial guidance from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) that advised public school teachers to use gender-preferred pronouns of students and to keep gender identity private from parents if necessary. Such recommendations from KDE are prohibited. The bill also requires school districts to develop a policy for the use of restrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms.
Just as it’s not appropriate to push gender ideology to minors in our public schools, children cannot rightly consent to life-altering and irreversible hormone therapy and transition surgery that could lead to sterilization and lifelong health problems. Nelson pointed to two detransitioners who testified in the Senate Families and Children Committee. Both shared that they were steered toward “hormone therapy” and sex alteration surgery before the age of 18. Now, both young women are dealing with prolonged negative health effects.
SB 150 bans healthcare providers from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to minors for the purpose of altering their outward sex characteristics. Those found in violation will have their license revoked. “Children face enough challenges today in a culture that presses hard against them,” Nelson said. “It’s encouraging to see an overwhelming number of legislators stand in the gap for their health and well-being.”