LINCOLN- Proposed school health standards that deal with gender identity and sexuality brought Nebraskans out in force for a chance to address the State Board of Education. More than 60 people came to decry the portion of the standards focused on human growth and development. Another 15 or so supported the standards which were first released in March.

Opponents of the standards argued that this would undermine parents, violate religious values and expose children to sexual topics that are not appropriate. The proposal called for teaching students about different gender identities, sexual orientation and different types of families.

Supporters argued that the standards could help children protect themselves from sexual abuse and support those struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity noting that those who do not follow traditional norms are more likely to die by suicide or suffer with mental health.

The board took no action on the matter at the meeting and plans to release a second draft of the proposal by mid summer and a final draft in the fall.

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