That is a money quote when it comes to those who accuse her of being a religious fanatic in her support of abstinence-only sex ed. She says that she wanted "ab only" sex-ed offered because it's being discussed and kids should know about it. It sounds like she pro-discussion. Sounds pretty reasonable to me.
She opposes "explicit" sex-ed programs. I agree. Why make a class prurient just to get kids' attention? Subliminally, it ends up teaching them it's OK to get naked and fool around.
She's a very smart lady.
Finally, Kolo, see my #483 above. Palin's from a fairly balanced, think-first-talk-later denomination.
(more from the 2006 Alaska debate)
Palin and Creationism [Jonathan Adler]
One charge that’s rapidly making the rounds among Palin critics is that she’s a supporter of creationism and wants it taught in public schools. From what I’ve been able to find, however, this is not quite true. As detailed here, Gov. Palin stated in a 2006 gubernatorial debate that she has no objection to “teaching both” evolution and creation. After the debate, however, she clarified that she did not think the state should require the teaching of creationism or other anti-evolution theories alongside evolution in public schools. “I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum,” she said. Beyond other statements reaffirming her belief in God, I have seen nothing that would indicate she supports making creationism part of school science curricula. (And, just in case anyone forgets my views on the subject, that’s a good thing, because there’s nothing scientific about creationism or “intelligent design”).
(interview with Alaska newspaper in 2006)
“I don’t think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn’t have to be part of the curriculum.”
She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state’s required curriculum.
Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.
“I won’t have religion as a litmus test, or anybody’s personal opinion on evolution or creationism,” Palin said.
Palin has occasionally discussed her lifelong Christian faith during the governor’s race but said teaching creationism is nothing she has campaigned about or even given much thought to.
“We’re talking about the gas line and PERS/TERS,” she said Thursday, referring to the proposed natural gas pipeline and public employee and teacher retirement systems.