ND lawmakers finalize abstinence-focused bill

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BISMARCK (AP) — North Dakota lawmakers are close to requiring schools to teach the merits of abstinence.

Negotiators from the House and Senate agreed on a bill Tuesday that says health classes must teach the risks of sex outside of marriage. It says students must learn the “social, psychological, and physical health gains” of abstinence.

The legislation would apply to public and private schools. It now goes to the full House and Senate for approval.

The panel met 12 times to decide the wording of the one-sentence bill. Some lawmakers said it should focus on avoiding sex “before” marriage. They agreed to broaden the focus to sex “outside” of marriage.

Mandan Rep. RaeAnn Kelsch says the change sends a positive message to students in line with North Dakota's values.

Tags: north dakota legislature, updates, education, schools