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LOUISIANA


Louisiana Sexuality Education Law and Policy


Louisiana does not require schools to offer sexuality or sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV education, but schools are permitted to offer it after sixth grade. State law mandates that sexuality education cannot be offered in kindergarten through sixth grade, except in Orleans Parish, which may offer sexuality education in the third grade and above. Schools must provide this education, “regardless of the student's grade level” if the student is parenting or pregnant.


Louisiana law defines sexuality education as:


[T]he dissemination of factual biological or pathological information that is related to the human reproduction system and may include the study of sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, menstruation, and menopause, as well as the dissemination of factual information about parental responsibilities under the child support laws of the state.


The education must be integrated into “an existing course study such as biology, science, physical hygiene, or physical education.” It cannot include “religious beliefs, practices in human sexuality, nor the subjective moral and ethical judgments of the instructor or other persons. Students shall not be tested, quizzed, or surveyed about their personal or family beliefs or practices in sex, morality, or religion.”


Classes may not include “any sexually explicit materials depicting male or female homosexual activity.” They also may not in “any way counsel or advocate abortion.” In addition, this education must emphasize that:


  • abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for all school-age children;
  • abstinence from sexual activity is a way to avoid unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and other associated health problems; and
  • each student has the power to control personal behavior and to encourage students to base action on reasoning, self-esteem, and respect for others.

HIV/AIDS education may be included in sexuality education or in a separate class. This class “must be structured and limited so as not to constitute sex education.” Selection of teachers for HIV/AIDS education classes may only be made by the local school board. All curricula and materials used must be reviewed by a parental review committee that is appointed by the school board.


Parents or guardians may remove their children from sexuality education and/or STD/HIV education classes. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy.


See Louisiana Revised Statute 17:281.