Mo. bill targets instruction on sexual orientation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Republican leaders in the Missouri House are backing legislation that would limit the discussion of people's sexual orientation in public schools.

A one-sentence bill filed in the House would prohibit teaching, extracurricular activities or materials that discuss sexual orientation -- unless they relate to the scientific facts about human reproduction.

The measure is sponsored by Rep. Steve Cookson, a Republican from rural southern Missouri. It's co-sponsored by House Speaker Steven Tilley, Majority Leader Tim Jones and more than a dozen other lawmakers.

The bill was assigned this past week to the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, but time is running short for it to pass before the session ends in mid-May.

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Sexual orientation bill is HB2051.

Online:

House: http://www.house.mo.gov