If a school in Washington chooses to teach sex education, it would not be allowed to teach abstinence-only curriculum under a bill passed by the state's House on Wednesday.
The Senate passed the measure in March, so it now goes to Gov. Christine Gregoire, who is expected to sign it.
According to The Associated Press, supporters said it was all about giving necessary information to children.
"We must not allow fear to keep our children in ignorance," said Rep. Shay Schual-Berk.
Under the measure, schools could choose not to offer any sex education, or they could follow the state-mandated curriculum, which means abstinence could only be taught alongside contraceptive use.
Opponents said it weakens the abstinence message, doesn't offer proper notification to parents, and takes away local control.
"We're talking about children," said Rep. Bob Sump. "It's like giving your child a loaded weapon and saying, 'Go play.' "
