California OKs new sex education guidance

California has overhauled its sex education guidance for public school teachers, encouraging them to talk about gender identity with kindergartners and giving advice to help LGBT teenagers navigate relationships and practice safe sex.

LGBT advocates praised the new recommendations for giving such attention to a community that often is left out of sex education policies. But some parents and conservative groups assailed the more than 700-page document as an assault on parental rights. They argued those issues should best be taught by parents in the home.

The guidance approved by the California State Board of Education doesn’t require teachers to teach anything. But it’s designed to expose them to the latest research and help them make sure students are meeting state standards.