Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- Pro-abortion Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, has signed legislation that would require sex education programs in public schools to promote abstinence as the preferred sexual behavior for teens. The measure requires primary and secondary schools spend more time teaching abstinence education than other methods of preventing pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin and NARAL's Wisconsin affiliate both opposed the bill, and Doyle has frequently vetoed pro-life legislation on abortion.

"Young people need to hear that message," said Sen. Mary Lazich, a Republican who sponsored the measure, told the Associated Press.

"Rather than teaching that condoms and birth control pills are acceptable modes of behavior, students will be taught they're not safe, acceptable or healthy and what is acceptable is abstinence," she added.

NARAL director Kelda Helen Roys claimed the bill "doesn't tell people any of the medically accurate facts that they need to protect their own health."

The state House approved the measure on a voice vote on March after the state Senate approved it 24-9 last fall.

The new law takes effect on July 1.

Related web sites:
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle - http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us
Wisconsin Right to Life - http://www.wrtl.org