MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin schools would have to teach how to properly use birth control as part of sex education classes under a bill that passed the Legislature on Thursday.
Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, says he supports the bill. The new requirement would take effect for the 2010 school year.
The measure passed the Senate on a partisan 18-15 vote, with all Democrats backing it and Republicans against it. The Assembly passed it on a partisan vote in November and on Thursday agreed with a change made by the Senate, thereby sending it to the governor for his approval.
Supporters say the bill was needed to help reduce teen pregnancies. Opponents argue it was sending a message that sex was OK as long as birth control is used.
Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, says he supports the bill. The new requirement would take effect for the 2010 school year.
The measure passed the Senate on a partisan 18-15 vote, with all Democrats backing it and Republicans against it. The Assembly passed it on a partisan vote in November and on Thursday agreed with a change made by the Senate, thereby sending it to the governor for his approval.
Supporters say the bill was needed to help reduce teen pregnancies. Opponents argue it was sending a message that sex was OK as long as birth control is used.
