Love & Liberty: A Catholic Approach to Sex Ed

As Catholics, we believe that parents are the first and foremost educators of their children. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that families are the “privileged community” where children grown in wisdom, stature, and grace (CCC 2206-2209). Pope Francis has reaffirmed that the Catholic Church’s view of parents as the primary educators of children, and schools-Catholic and non-Catholic-as partners in the educational process. Thus the Church counsels us to work with public authorities to ensure and protect parental rights. In the Holy Father’s words, “Schools do not replace parents, but complement them.”

“Parents have the right to ensure that their children are not compelled to attend classes which are not in agreement with their own moral and religious convictions. In particular, sex education is a basic right of the parents and must always be carried out under their close supervision, whether at home or in educational centers chosen and controlled by them.” (Article V.c., Catholic Charter of the Rights of the Family)

What is the California Healthy Youth Act?

On January 1, 2016, the California Healthy Youth Act (“CHYA”) went into effect requiring California public school districts to provide students in grades seven through twelve with comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention information, including gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. There is ambiguity regarding the opt-out provisions in the instruction of involving discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation. Parents have the right to excuse their children from some or all instruction discussing human reproductive organs. Under the law, school districts may also offer “age-appropriate” instruction earlier than grade 7, and many do. Each school district can determine its own curriculum. Schools are required to inform parents and guardians a minimum of 14 days in advance and parents and guardians have a right to review all materials. Parents also have the right to excuse their children from tests, questionnaires and surveys relating to sex. To excuse a child, a parent must state his or her request in writing to the school district.

What You Can Do

1. Contact your school district to investigate how your respective district plans to implement the sex education curriculum.
   • https://www.cde.ca.gov/schooldirectory »
2. Request to review the curriculum
   • View a draft letter to review materials »
3. You have a right to opt-out without penalty; however, you must do so in writing. Ask your school/district what opt-out form is required for all or part of the comprehensive sexual health education.
   • View a general draft letter to opt-out »
4. Get additional information about the law and in which area a parent or guardian can opt-out.
   • Read the California Catholic Conference Analysis »

Recommended Reading

• For Parents
  • Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids by Greg and Lisa Pocak
  • Theology of the Body for Beginners: A Basic Introduction to Pope John Paul II’s Sexual Revolution by Christopher West
  • Reclaiming Sundays: Pray, Play, Serve, Rest, Refresh, and Celebrate by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle
• For Young People
  • The Princess and the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity by Jennie Bishop
  • The Squire and the Scroll: A Tale of the Rewards of a Pure Heart by Jennie Bishop

Resources for Principals, Catechists, Youth Ministers, & Parents

• Theology of the Body
  • Ascension Press’ YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body
  • Ascension Press’ Theology of the Body for Teens: Middle School Edition
  • TOBET’s The Body Matters
  • Ruah Woods’ ROOTED: The Theology of the Body K-12 Curriculum
  • Chastity Project
  • Echoes of Worth: Theology of the Body Conference
• Pornography / Navigating Modern Technology Use
  • Clean Heart Online – Archdiocese of New Orleans
  • Covenant Eyes
  • Matt Fradd
• Sexual Identity
  • Person & Identity
• Catholic Guidelines for Sex Education
  • Pontifical Council for the Family
• Conversations About L.I.F.E.
  • A Guided Program to Get Families Talking about Loving Relationships and Safe Environments
• Jr. High, High School & College Student Programs
  • Mother-Daughter Program (Ages 10-16)
  • Father-Son Program (Ages 12-15)
  • Woman in Love: Mother Daughter Retreat (Grades 8-12)
  • Hope Undimmed (High School & College Students)

Upcoming Events

Love & Liberty Campaign 

Training for Parishes:

Spring 2022

Capacitacion para Parroquias

Primavera 2022

Participants will receive Love & Liberty Campaign Packet. Please register on time to get it before the training dates.

Los participantes recibirán el paquete de campaña sobre Amor & Libertad. Regístrese a tiempo para obtenerlo antes de las fechas de capacitación.

Watch the full Love & Liberty presentation