U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, joined Sens. Jim Banks, R-IN, and James Lankford, R-OK, in introducing legislation that would prohibit federal education funding from being used for programs, activities or materials containing what the bill defines as sexually oriented content for minors.

The legislation, titled the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prevent federal funds from being used to develop, implement, facilitate, host or promote programs and activities for children under 18 that include sexually oriented material, according to a news release.

“Exposing children to sexually explicit material in classrooms is completely inappropriate and a gross abuse of taxpayer dollars. I will continue to work with my colleagues to remove this kind of content from our classrooms to protect the innocence of our young people,” Tuberville said in the release.

Banks, who introduced the measure, said the legislation is intended to prevent taxpayer-funded exposure to explicit sexual themes in schools.

“The American taxpayer should not be funding sexually explicit content for minors, it’s that simple. I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort in the Senate to ensure children aren’t exposed to explicit, sexual themes in the classroom,” Banks said.

According to the bill text, federal funds provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act could not be used to provide or promote literature, materials, programs or activities for minors that include sexually oriented material. The legislation defines sexually oriented material as content that includes depictions, descriptions or simulations of sexually explicit conduct, or material involving gender dysphoria or transgenderism.

The measure also specifies that federal funds could not be used for programs or materials promoting concepts related to gender dysphoria and transgenderism.

Supporters of the legislation said concerns have grown in recent years among parents over sexually explicit materials, activities and themes being introduced in schools. They cited research indicating that exposure to sexual content at a young age can increase the risk of early sexual activity, unsafe sexual practices and other risky sexual behaviors.

The bill includes provisions preserving federal funding for what it describes as standard coursework. Under the legislation, restrictions would not apply to instruction in science subjects including biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, cytology, genetics, ecology, human health and human anatomy and physiology. The measure also would protect the teaching of major world religions, classic works of literature and classic works of art.

Supporters said the proposal would establish guardrails to ensure federal education dollars are used for educational purposes while preventing funding from being directed toward what they describe as the sexualization of minors.

The release said the legislation has been endorsed by the Family Research Council, Independent Women’s Forum, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Family Policy Alliance, Parental Rights Foundation and Moms for America.

The full text of the bill is available at www.tuberville.senate.gov.