Ad Watch: Prop 8 ad misleading

Published: Monday, Nov. 03, 2008 | Page 5B
An ad on Page A18 in The Bee on Sunday offered what it said were "honest answers to questions many Californians are asking about Proposition 8," the measure that would ban gay marriage. Sponsored by the Yes on 8 campaign, it asked voters to approve the measure. An analysis of one of its claims:

Text

"Will gay marriage really be taught in schools unless Prop. 8 is adopted? Yes. The subject of marriage is required to be taught in 96 percent of California public schools."

Analysis

The ad is misleading because state law does not require schools to teach comprehensive sex education. Such decisions are left up to local school boards. If districts choose to offer sex education, they must "teach respect for marriage and committed relationships."

Parents have the right to review curricula and remove their children from health classes if the instruction conflicts with their "religious training and beliefs."

– Bee Capitol Bureau