MS SB2599

Local school boards must adopt a policy implementing abstinence-plus education into curriculum by June 30, 2012, with instruction beginning no later than the 2012-2013 school year.

Abstinence-plus education curriculum must teach abstinence benefits, consequences of out-of-wedlock pregnancy, rejection of unwanted sexual advances, and that abstinence before marriage and marital fidelity are the only certain ways to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Any discussion of condoms or contraceptives must include factual presentation of risks and failure rates; curriculum must teach current state laws on sexual conduct, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, and may not promote abortion.

Sex-related education instruction must be conducted with boys and girls separated by gender in different classrooms.

The section repeals on July 1, 2016; legislation takes effect July 1, 2012.