Parents, clerics protest law on sex education for teens
Parents, education officials and religious leaders are up in arms against a Bill that seeks to give children as young as 10 access to information on sexual matters.
The is being debated in the Senate and provides that the Health Cabinet secretary and the Reproductive and Child Health Care Board “shall facilitate the provision of adolescent-friendly reproductive health and sexual health information and education.”
The Bill also obligates national and county governments to provide contraceptives and family planning services, including contraceptive options, counselling, information and education.
The Bill was prepared by Wiper Democratic Movement nominated Senator Judith Sijeny further provides that the Board makes available confidential, comprehensive, non-judgmental and affordable reproductive health services to adolescents.
It defines adolescents as those between the age of 10 and 17.
NO CONSENT
Providing such information would not require the consent of the adolescent’s parent or guardian, according to the Bill.
Those who prevent adolescents from getting education, including their parents or guardians, would be fined up to Sh200,000 or jailed for three years if convicted.
The Bill defines reproductive health as a state of “complete physical, mental and social well being in matters relating to the reproductive system.
It however does not define “comprehensive sexuality education and confidential services.”
The Kenya National Association of Parents said it would oppose the Bill, (Reproductive Health Care Bill of 2014) saying it was wrong to expose children as young as 10 to sexual content.
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SOURCE: Daily Nation