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SALT LAKE CITY — A new poll shows a majority of Utah voters favors schools teaching traditional sex education. This as Gov. Gary Herbert continues to mull what to do about an abstinence education bill passed by the legislature.
The poll from Brigham Young University's Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy shows 58.3 percent of Utah voters agree or even strongly agree that public schools in the state should teach kids about contraceptive use.
It also reveals the only political sub-group that supports abstinence only education is those who self-identify as "strong Republicans."
Utah schools should teach about contraceptives
| 29.5% | Strongly disagree or disagree |
| 12.3% | Neither agree nor disagree |
| 58.3% | Strongly agree or agree |
Overall, when asked whether "public schools in Utah should teach about the use of contraceptives," 58.3 percent said agree or strongly agree. Only 29.5 percent said disagree or strongly disagree.
The pollsters surveyed 472 Utah voters for the results.
Moderate Republicans and GOP-leaning independents favor traditional sex ed in the classroom by 5 to 10 percent. Only self-identifying "strong Republicans" are soundly against kids learning about contraceptive use -- 63 percent to 30 percent.
"Strong Republicans" - Utah schools should teach about contraceptives
| 63.4% | Strongly disagree or disagree |
| 6.9% | Neither agree nor disagree |
| 29.8% | Strongly agree or agree |
The governor has essentially three options with HB363, which defines sex education in Utah as abstinence-only and bans instruction in sexual intercourse, homosexuality, contraceptive methods and sexual activity outside of marriage. Gov. Herbert can veto the bill, sign it, or let it go into law without his signature. He has not yet announced what he will do.
An online petition urging the governor to veto the legislation is growing in numbers. As of this morning, it includes more than 37,000 signatures.
