NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The so-called "No Holding Hands" law will go into effect in Tennessee on July 1.
The controversial legislation was co-sponsored by Republicans Representative Jim Gotto and Senator Jack Johnson and changes the way students are taught about sex in public schools.
The law bans educators from discussing sex or "sexual gateway" topics.
It also prohibits teachers from handing out condoms or material that promotes safe sexual behavior.
Lyndsey Godwin with Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee says the law is too vague and leaves teachers without proper guidelines.
She said, "Even [Nashville and Knoxville school districts] have different interpretations and understandings of what this bill means and how it's going to affect their teachers."
If broken, the new law carries a fine of up to $500 and a potential lawsuit.
Senator Johnson says the law is a common sense approach to teaching kids about sex.
"The statute was already abstinence-based or abstinence-centered," he said. "We didn't change that. I think that actually with what we put into place, and some of our definitions, and some of the instruction with regards to how this stuff is taught, is much [clearer]."
The law also expands sex education to include those aged 11 to 18 based on a county's pregnancy rate. The age range was previously 15 to 17.
Both sides of this issue say their goal is to prevent teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
For teachers with the responsibility of teaching sex education, the upcoming school year could be a challenge.
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