THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 Page 27 BHRC | FROM PAGE 25 ercion and intimidation; and information about gender identity and sexual orientation for all students, including recognition that people have diff erent sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. The measure also requires any school off ering sex education to notify parents about the school’s sex education curriculum and gives parents the right to withdraw a student from the instruction. Another provision creates a process for parents to inspect the program instruction materials before the start of the course. Supporters said that under the bill, local cities and towns still have the authority and power to decide whether sex education is taught in their schools. They said the measure will ensure that schools that choose to teach sex education will have a framework to follow. They noted the bill will prepare students to make healthy decisions and will reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. “I am very proud that the Massachusetts Senate has once again reaffirmed our commitment to this commonsense healthy policy that will ensure our youth have the tools needed to protect their health and form respectful relationships,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) “This legislation makes it clear that sex education in the commonwealth must be inclusive for all students and emphasize the importance and necessity of consent. I would like to thank and congratulate the many advocates who have partnered with us on this legislation and worked tirelessly to ensure Massachusetts youth have the information they need to build the bright futures they deserve—without shame or judgement.” “This is a highly controversial bill, as demonstrated by the fact that it has failed to pass for multiple sessions,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), the only senator who voted against the measure. “If this legislation is to pass into law, it would be a direct usurpation of the local school district’s decision-making abilities. Each community has diff erent needs based on their specific demographics, which is why they should have the ability to decide their curriculum. By mandating a statewide sex education curriculum, you directly take away the ability of a community to decide how sensitive topics like sex education are taught.” “It is quite troubling that our elected offi cials think taking local control away from school districts and parents regarding sex ed curriculum is a good idea,” said Andrew Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Family Institute. “And even worse is the type of graphic content they want to push on students in the curriculum they are sanctioning. In what reality does normalizing high risk sexual activity like anal and oral sex for teens or teaching young vulnerable girls how to obtain abortions without their parents’ knowledge or consent result in healthy youth?” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes CHANGE GENDER ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND MORE (S 2533) Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow people to change their gender on their birth certifi cate, driver’s license, learner’s permit, identifi cation card or liquor purchase identification card, including to a non-binary option other than male or female. The possible designations include “female,” “male” or “X” which would indicate that the person is another gender or an undesignated gender. The gender can only be changed by an adult, an emancipated minor or the parent or guardian of a minor. No documentation is required BHRC | SEE PAGE 29
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