Arizona and Tennessee are one step away from restricting students' access to lessons on sexual and gender identity, with lawmakers in the states sending bills to their governors this week that would allow parents and guardians to play a key role in the curriculum their students are receiving.
The legislation in Arizona passed the state's Republican-controlled House on Wednesday by a vote of 31-28. It previously passed the state's GOP-led Senate by a vote of 16-14 and now heads to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey for signature.
If approved by the governor, SB 1456 would require students to obtain "signed, written consent" from a parent or guardian before their school provides "sex education instruction or instruction regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to the student." Parents will also be informed of their "right to review the instructional materials and activities."