Minnesota senate panel backs comprehensive sex education

Minnesota's Senate Education Committee on Tuesday approved 7-3 a bill that would grant school districts more flexibility in teaching subjects other than just abstinence in school-based sex education programs, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Sen. Mee Moua (D-St. Paul) said the bill is necessary because some parents are pushing school districts into teaching abstinence as the only way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. "This brings it in line with what most Minnesotans want," she said. The bill now will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee.