Tennessee has passed a new bill allowing parents to sue teachers and other outside parties for “promoting or condoning ‘gateway sexual activity’ by students.” “Gateway sexual activity” is defined in the bill as “sexual contact encouraging an individual to engage in a non-abstinent behavior.” The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Jim Gotto of Nashville and passed with a vote of 68-23. 60 Republicans and 8 Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while 22 Democrats and 1 Republican voted against it.

   The new bill has faced considerable criticism as it has sparked up much controversy across the state. The vagueness of the bill has people troubled since nowhere does the bill clearly define 'gateway sexual activities.' Critics have been complaining that teachers will now be held liable for breaking up hugs or kisses, but Rep. John DeBerry, a supporter of the bill, refuted and defended the bill. "I think you and I both would know when we’re looking at a kiss, and when we’re looking at, for lack of a better way of saying it, someone who is trying to open the door to more activities,” DeBerry said. That only upset critics more, as they argued that DeBerry and the bill were stereotyping all students and interfering in an area that is not the state's place.

   Furthermore, controversy has risen over the ramifications that the bill may end up causing students. One parent said she would rather her child know everything possible about sex and protection, so that her child could make informed decisions.

   The bill focuses on abstinence, however it allows for comparisons of contraception methods even though contraception is no longer allowed to be distributed on school property. Parents argue that teens will be having sex regardless of how many times they’re told not to and that taking away contraception will only increase teen pregnancy. Still, lawmakers are concerned with the message of no sex and abstinence.  Planned Parenthood has remained unsupportive of the bill. The group’s Director of Education Elokin CaPese said, “If the state of Tennessee gets to create the [sex] curriculum, it has to create something that umbrella reflects everyone.”

   DeBerry argues that this bill will be a way to ensure that abstinence is a cornerstone of any sexual education. However many critics and parents are more concerned that it will only cause unnecessary punishment of students and unnecessary lawsuits. Critics also argue that the unclear definition of 'gateway sexual activities' makes it hard to tell where it is acceptable for teachers to draw the line. The new bill raises the question of just how much control the state should have over issues, or less than, in our everyday lives. Haslam was given 10 days to either sign or veto the bill.