Posted on 08/28/2002 7:36:19 AM PDT by Mr. Mulliner
Pro-Homosexual Kids' Book Not the First, Not the Last
By Michael L. Betsch
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
August 28, 2002
(CNSNews.com) - A colorfully illustrated sex education book that uses cartoon characters to teach kids about sex is causing a stir in Texas, and a conservative group says the controversy should serve as a wake-up call for all parents about the steady advance of the homosexual agenda in the nation's schools.
The book in question - It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health" by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley - was removed from the Montgomery County library system after several Christian residents complained in county's Commissioners Court Monday that it promoted the homosexual lifestyle and abortion.
However, the judges ruled that the controversial book must first undergo a "review of its content" before it a permanent ban can be enacted, the Conroe Courier newspaper reported.
"This is clearly a book for children about sexuality," said County Judge Alan B. Sadler. "It clearly tries to steer the child toward being pro-homosexual or at least neutral."
Written for kids ages 10 and up, the book urges kids not to be "afraid of things they know little or nothing about."
The author writes, "In a homosexual relationship, two people of the same sex - a male and a male, or a female and a female - may be attracted to, may fall in love with, and may have a sexual relationship with each other."
Regarding abortion, the author informs young readers that the medical procedure is a complicated issue for pregnant women who opt to end their pregnancy.
"Some pregnant females choose to have abortions," Williams writes. "People's feelings about having abortions are not always simple, however, and can range from relief to sadness, from worry to fear."
The book uses cartoon-like characters and drawings instead of photographs to illustrate some of the topics it covers.
Susan Hershberg, a publicity manager for the publisher Candlewick Books, dismissed the fuss surrounding the book.
Hershberg said the book is "widely available" in both public libraries and public schools nationwide. She noted that the book has received "all kinds of praise and accolades" since it was first published in 1994.
"As far as I can see, the book does not advocate a homosexual lifestyle or abortion," said Bronwyn Mayden, the executive director of Campaign For Our Children (CFOC), a liberal advocacy group that encourages "responsible sexual decisions among early-adolescent youth."
It's Perfectly Normal is currently on the group's "recommended" reading list for young people, Mayden said. She noted that all recommended books must first be reviewed and approved by the group's health educator.
"I think that a book such as this is very appropriate to be in public schools," Mayden said. "Public schools are in the business of educating kids so that they can make healthy decisions."
Mayden said the book provides "accurate" information to young people about their changing bodies, human sexuality and sexual intercourse. "A book like this could be appropriate for a middle-school kid," she said.
However, Mayden said parents should be discussing sexual issues and "values" with their children much earlier than middle school. She believes kids should begin learning about sexuality "as early as the child can really understand ... even before going to kindergarten."
'Know what's in the library'
Traditional Values Coalition Executive Director Andrea Lafferty said she disagrees with those who would turn sex education over to the schools.
"It's my child," Lafferty said. "Let me raise my child."
Lafferty objects to any attempt by the "other side" to begin teaching sex education to nursery school kids. And she said parents often are misinformed by schools when it comes to defining their children's sex education curriculum.
"They don't explain to parents it's going to teach your kids eight ways to masturbate," she said.
Lafferty said she's seen a number of children's books that promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools and libraries. She said parents must take an active role in monitoring the content found on school library shelves to prevent their kids from accessing such materials.
"Parents need to be really aggressive," Lafferty said. "They need to know what's in the library."
I suspect this group has few disagreements with NAMBLA.
They just don't have time!!
Dan
BWAHAHAHAHA!!!...oh stop!...yer killin' me.
Yep, the gay lifestyle is certainly a proven "healthy decision".
Beam me up.
FMCDH
They left out a word. I fixed it for them.
There should be no 'sexual decisions' among early adolescent youth beyond not being sexual. Abstinence is the only system that works.
These sexual deviants continue to try to sexualize our children earlier and earlier. They've destroyed their own present and now they seek to destroy the future.
God Save America (Please)
Perhaps Father Paul Shanly strongly endorses it.
Is it just me, or are children not supposed to know about sex, let alone abortion and homosexuality at that age?
Sometimes being afraid of things you know "little or nothing about" is what keeps you out of danger and out of trouble. Duh! These people have no common sense at all...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.