Frank Lautenberg: “just a quick response to our colleague and friend from Oklahoma. The fact is, there are certainly different views than…”

“just a quick response to our colleague and friend from Oklahoma. The fact is, there are certainly different views than this well-trained physician offered on the floor of the Senate. Parents all across the country--some 90 percent of the parents of high school students--insist that they would prefer to have comprehensive sex education available for their children. The fact that this country of ours doesn't permit anything except abstinence only until marriage to be taught is outrageous. Where is the fairness? Where is the equity? In New Jersey, we have a different view about people's choice than they do in Oklahoma. That doesn't mean that Oklahoma is totally wrong or that New Jersey is totally right. But the fact is, it is not sinful conduct and we ought to encourage people to give the young women a full understanding about sex education so they know there are alternatives to exposing themselves to an unwanted pregnancy. It is outrageous that we want to close down the minds and opportunities for people to make a choice about what they do with their health and with their families. With that, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada is recognized.”