The Stop the Sexualization of Children Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to bar schools from using federal education funds for programs, activities, or materials aimed at children under 18 that include sexually oriented material. The bill defines that term to cover depictions of sexually explicit conduct as well as any content that involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism. It carves out exceptions for standard science coursework such as biology and human anatomy, the texts of major world religions, specific published lists of classic literature and classic artworks, and safety education about recognizing child sex trafficking and grooming. Schools and other recipients of funds under the Act — including K-12 students, teachers, and administrators — would need to review covered programs and materials against this new funding restriction, which does not create new criminal penalties.
Civil Liberties
- ESEA-funded materials — Excludes content addressing gender dysphoria or transgenderism
Congressional Summary
Stop the Sexualization of Children ActThis bill prohibits the use of federal elementary and secondary education funds for sexually oriented material. Sexually oriented material is material that (1) includes any depiction, description, or simulation of sexually explicit conduct; or (2) involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism.Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of these funds to develop, implement, facilitate, host, or promote any program or activity for, or to provide or promote literature or other materials to, children under the age of 18 that includes sexually oriented material. This includes any program, activity, literature, or material that exposes children to nude adults, individuals who are stripping, or lewd or lascivious dancing.The bill does not prohibit the use of funds for the teaching of standard science coursework (e.g., biology, genetics, human health, and human anatomy), the texts of major world religions, classic works of literature or art (as defined by the bill), or security measures designed to help students recognize and safely respond to methods and attempts to sexually traffic children or groom children for sexual trafficking.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2026-07-02
- Date Added
- 2026-07-14
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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