Teaching Sexuality

Today's Salt Lake Tribune, in referring editorially to a University of Utah's human sexuality course, states: The sad reality is that many of Professor Cynthia Christopherson's students are "shamefully uninformed about sexuality, what she rightly calls the foundation of family development. And the shame can be laid at the feet of Utah's Legislature.

It goes on to point out, that "the Utah Health Department reported earlier this year that between 2001 and 2005, Utah recorded the largest increase in rates of sexually transmitted chlamydia and gonorrhea in the nation, mostly in youth age 15 to 24. A health department specialist blamed unprotected sexual activity for the increase."

Later stating: "When teachers explain the mechanics of sexuality, encourage abstinence, treat the emotions of intimacy with respect and outline the danger of casual sex, teens often decide wait until they are ready for the responsibility. Utah's increase in sexually transmitted diseases is evidence that ignoring sexuality doesn't make sex less appealing."

I plead with the legislature to treat our youth fairly by giving them the education that would lead them to make wise choices about their own sexuality. I got my education at Sunday night petting parties after attending LDS Firesides.