NCJW Welcomes Introduction of Sex Education Bill
March 17, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today welcomed the re-introduction of the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act, which would create the first dedicated federal funding stream for comprehensive sex education. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan released the following statement:
"NCJW salutes Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) for their re-introduction of the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act. Young people need and deserve comprehensive sex education based on science and public health, not religious views or ideology.
"While comprehensive sex education teaches that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it also provides accurate information about contraceptive options so that individuals have the knowledge with which to make informed and responsible life decisions.
"NCJW supports an end to federal funding for abstinence-only programs which have proven ineffective, are often incomplete and inaccurate, and frequently promote one religious viewpoint about sex to all students, regardless of their individual religious traditions. The REAL Act will provide federal money for states to fund comprehensive sexuality education programs that are age-appropriate and medically accurate.
"NCJW urges swift action on this important legislation that will help our young people make responsible life decisions and reverse years of misguided federal policy on this topic."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org