What Is at Issue

WashingtonPost.com

Here are excerpts from new Montgomery County sex-education lessons that have drawn objections:

“Many people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender celebrate their self-discovery and feel relief and a new sense of joy when they can be honest with themselves and their loved ones.” (Grade 10)

“While cross-dressers change their clothes, transsexuals sometimes change their body by means of hormone therapy or sexual reassignment surgery to match how they feel.” (Grade 10)

“People can identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender at any point in their lives.” (Grade 10)

“Sexual orientation is innate and a complex part of one’s personality.” (Grades 8 and 10)

“Homophobia may be shown in ways as mild as laughing at a gay joke or as severe and violent as gay bashing or murder.” (Grade 10)