OLYMPIA, Wash. — A referendum measure deciding the fate of a controversial statewide sex ed requirement marks the first time in the country that such a decision will be decided by voters.
Democrats in the Washington Legislature thought they had passed a routine sex education requirement for public schools.
But the bill passed without any Republican votes, and led to swift backlash, and an effort to overturn the measure.
Democrats say they want to protect young people from sexual abuse and disease.
Opponents say it’s much more than that, arguing the bill doesn’t provide enough local and parental control and teaches young students graphic information about sex.
Referendum 90 will be on the November ballot statewide.