LANSING, MI. (WOWO) Michigan Republicans are pushing legislation that would require the state Legislature to approve future changes to education standards, including health and sex education. House Bill 5364 was introduced after the State Board of Education approved new health education standards in November. The updated guidelines recommend that students learn about gender identity and sexual orientation. Bridge Michigan reports the vote on the standards was 6-2 along party lines and sparked heated public debate. Under the proposed bill, any new content standards could only take effect if both the House and Senate approve them through a concurrent resolution. Supporters, including Citizens for Traditional Values and legal advocacy groups, say the measure ensures legislators have a voice in decisions that may lead to costly curriculum changes for districts. Opponents, including State Board President Pamela Pugh, a Democrat from Saginaw, and the Michigan Department of Education, say the bill would undermine local control and reduce the input parents have in shaping curriculum. Bridge Michigan notes the department says the measure “usurps the authority of the State Board of Education and takes away the voice of parents in local communities.” State Rep. Gina Johnsen, a Republican from Portland and sponsor of the bill, told Bridge Michigan the legislation is intended to tighten the approval process rather than push a political or religious agenda. Board member Nikki Snyder, a Republican from Goodrich, said she supports changes to governance but believes the proposed bill is the wrong approach. The measure is currently under consideration in the House Education and Workforce Committee. Even if it passes the House, it would face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The post Michigan Lawmakers Move to Review Sex-Ed Standards on Gender and Sexual Orientation appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less