🕒 Created

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocks the administration's mandate for abstinence-only sex education in federally funded programs.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked a federal mandate from the administration that requires federally funded sex education programs to focus exclusively on abstinence. The ruling addresses the administration's order to cut funding for any agency or organization that discusses sexual activity, birth control, or 'gender ideology.' Judge Cooper noted that the program, first authorized by Congress in 2010, has been successful in reducing the teen birth rate. He argued that it is logically impossible to prevent pregnancy without some discussion of sexual activity. The judge also rejected a requirement that parents be given advance notice to remove children from classes, noting that the Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor applies to school programs rather than federal grants. King County executive Girmay Zahilay stated that the administration was attempting to replace science-based education with political ideology. The ruling allows local governments and private organizations to continue using a variety of sex education methods while receiving federal funding.

Sources