The Minnesota Independent

Comprehensive Sex Education - Latest Stories

Pawlenty forgoes $850,000 in federal sex ed funds for strings-attached abstinence dollars

By Andy Birkey | 08.31.10 | 9:21 am

Reproductive rights groups chastised Gov. Tim Pawlenty Monday for refusing federal money for comprehensive sex education in exchange for abstinence-education funds that will cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. Advocates say Pawlenty’s decision to opt for the more expensive — and controversial — program arises from his presidential ambitions and not the best interests of the state.

Minnesota Family Council scores with partner Pawlenty in 2008 session

By Andy Birkey | 05.22.08 | 3:58 pm

“Thank you Gov. Tim Pawlenty,” read a Minnesota Family Council blog post written as the legislative session closed. “You are truly a pro-family governor.” And they have reason to thank him. He worked very closely with…

At Capitol, youth rally brings sex ed message to adults

By Andy Birkey | 04.10.08 | 11:33 am

sexedyouthrally.jpgMinnesota high schoolers lobbied legislators Tuesday at the Minnesota Capitol in support of a comprehensive sex education bill working its way through the Legislature. Organized by the Coalition for Responsible Sex Ed, a coalition of 51…

Comprehensive sex ed: How a popular and effective bill got lost at the Capitol

By Andy Birkey | 04.03.08 | 10:53 am

With rates of sexually transmitted diseases increasing and teenage pregnancy up for the first time in 16 years, ensuring adequate sexual health information in middle and high schools in Minnesota would seem like a…

Minnesotans’ worsening sexual health a ‘wake-up call’

By Andy Birkey | 04.01.08 | 12:02 pm

A pair of statewide reports, as well as a national study, are showing a startling trend in Minnesota’s sexual health: Teen-age pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are increasing. Experts say the trends show a need to expand…

Sex ed bill scares legislators more than it scares parents

By Andy Birkey | 03.31.08 | 10:28 am

Some version of the Comprehensive Family Life and Sexuality Education Act has been pushed at the Capitol over eight years, only to languish in committees or be stripped from omnibus bills under threat of a veto from Gov. Tim Pawlenty.…