Gov. Inslee Signs Sex Ed Bill Into Law

Governor Jay Inslee signed over a dozen bills into law Friday, including the comprehensive sex education bill that mandates comprehensive sex education to Washington students as young as kindergarten.

Senate bill 5395 was requested by State School Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

"This program will promote healthy relationships, respect for sexual identity, and prevent sexual violence. The bill requires a program to teach our kids to understand healthy communication, respect for themselves and others, and affirmative consent." Inslee said, "Parents may have their child excused from the sexual health education program if they choose."

The bill passed the state legislature along party lines during the short session with 12th District Senator Brad Hawkins previously telling KPQ his biggest concern.

"What constitutes and comprehensive in terms of inclusivity and all those things?" Hawkins asked, "The office of superintendent of public instruction would be sort of the final determiner of what meets that standard and what doesn't. You can only imagine in the State of Washington what could be determined inclusive and comprehensive."

The bill was sponsored by Vancouver Representative Monica Jurado Stonier and Federal Way Senator Claire Wilson, and could face a challenge by referendum