2007 Democratic primary debate on GLBT issues: on Education

Dennis Kucinich: Teach sex ed in schools; including AIDS prevention

A: First of all, the answer to your question is yes. This is a very serious health issue. And through our education system, a president must help the country, and help our children, in particular, learn the kind of conduct that promotes health. And that also means sex education. Now, some parents may not want that, and they should have the right to opt out. But the truth of the matter is that we need to have sex education. We also need a president who is ready to embrace people with AIDS in a real, meaningful way that says that, look, we want you to receive all the care that you need by having a not-for-profit health care system.

Joe Biden: Teach sex ed in schools; including prevention methods

John Edwards: Teach in public school that we embrace same-sex parents

A: Oh, sure, it should. I mean, the kids who go to public schools need to understand why same-sex couples are the parents of some of the children. They need to understand that these are American families, just like every American families. It’s important for the kids that their peers understand what’s happening. Because otherwise, you know, children are children. And they can be mean and cruel. We as adults have a responsibility to make sure that they’re educated, that they understand this is a good thing and it’s something that we as Americans believe in and embrace.

Q: At what grade or what age would you introduce, for instance, that kind of education into the schools?

A: I’ve not thought about it enough to answer it.

Q: Well, think about it and come back later, and tell us what you come up with.

A: Yeah. There is a place, though, that I believe it’s appropriate.