Illinois Valley Times

The Illinois State Senate Executive Committee recently approved legislation that has received Republican opposition due to its impact on sex education for all ages of students in the state.

State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Peoria) took to Facebook to address his opposition to Senate Bill 818 and encourage his constituents to oppose the bill.

“The Senate Executive Committee recently approved Senate Bill 818 along party lines. This bill completely changes how sex education is taught to K-12 students in Illinois and could be voted on by the Senate as soon as today,” Stoller said. “This proposal had over 1,500 opposition witness slips filed against it, including from the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Principals Association and the Illinois Coalition of Nonpublic Schools.”

Senate Bill 818 was introduced by Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), according to coverage by Illinois Newsroom. Those supporting the legislation say that the bill would ensure children are taught age-appropriate material regarding consent and other additions.

The median age of abused children is 9 years old, according to supporters, Illinois Newsroom reported. From the ages of 7 to 13, children are at their most vulnerable for sexual abuse. Proponents want to ensure children receive the education necessary to protect themselves and understand what is inappropriate.

However, opponents of the bill have also raised objections to portions of the bill that would require private and charter schools to teach students “culturally appropriate” information that is considered to be “medically accurate” and could include subjects such as gender identity and sexual orientation.