- Massachusetts state law does not mandate the teaching of sex ed.
- All sex ed curricula must explain the benefits of abstinence.
- Sex ed curricula are not required to include instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, or consent.
- Parents and guardians can exempt their children from any portion of sex ed instruction through written notification to the school principal. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy.
- If a community decides to implement sex education, General Law of Massachusetts, Chapter 71 §§38O requires that standards be developed with the guidance of community stakeholders, including parents and at least one physician.
Bills to Watch
- HB 587 was introduced in 2023. It would changes sex education instruction from opt-out to opt in and establish procedures to get this consent.
- HB 509 was introduced in 2023. It would require that curriculum programs and activities that involve human sexual education, human sexuality issues, or sexual orientation would be offered only in clearly identified non-mandatory elective courses in which parents could choose to enroll their children through written notification to the school. It would also prohibit schools from requiring public school teachers or administrators to participate in this instruction if it violates their religious beliefs.
- HB 542 and SB 288 were introduced in 2023. They would require public schools to teach instruction inclusive of all racial and ethnic groups and require the teaching of accurate histories, writings, and contributions of racial and ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized.
- SB 259 was introduced in 2023. It would add to educational standards “sufficient instruction on the histories, roles, and contributions, of LGBTQ people in Massachusetts and US history.”
- SB 268 was introduced in 2023. It would require sex education, if taught, to be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and comprehensive. The bill also outlines topics that should be included in sex education instruction, including the benefits of abstinence and delaying sexual activity, the effective use of contraceptives and barrier methods, relationship and communication skills, consent, gender identity and sexual orientation. It also goes into more detail regarding what and how parents should be notified that sex education instruction is going to be taught.
Some Sex Ed Advocates Within the State
For more detailed information on how various districts in the state have been implementing these standards — and for recent legislation — you can read SIECUS’s Massachusetts profile.