Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 329 on Oct. 2, which will require sexual education in all California public schools. Under current law, sex education is permitted, but not required. The bill was authored by Shirley Weber (D-Sacramento) District 79. The legislation would update the state’s sexual health and HIV prevention curriculum to provide instruction that is more up-to-date, comprehensive and inclusive of LGBT people and their families.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a serious and persistent public health problem for the citizens of California, according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). STDs are the most commonly reported of all communicable diseases in California. Adding to the problem is the fact that, because STDs are often asymptomatic, the disease is far more prevalent than the number of reported cases, according to AHF.

AB 329 updates statutory language to reflect today’s understanding of HIV and AIDS by ensuring that students receive comprehensive and accurate information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.

The bill will also clarify existing requirements to ensure that instruction and materials are appropriate for students of all sexual orientations and genders.

It includes new language about adolescent relationship abuse and sex trafficking, and reinforces healthy behaviors and relationships.

“LGBT people and our families have been absent for too long from sex-ed materials available to students, leaving our youth feeling invisible and stigmatized” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. “Age-appropriate, medically accurate, LGBT-inclusive education improves school climate overall and creates a safer environment for LGBT students.”

Comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education has been shown to be effective in both postponing sexual activity and increasing condom and contraceptive use among youth who are already sexually active, according to Equality California.