New Maine GOP platform includes banning sex education, 'critical race theory' in schools
AUGUSTA (WGME) -- Maine Republicans adopted new positions Friday that could change what kids learn in school.
They want to ban sex education in school, learning about transgender identity and so-called “critical race theory.”
Friday is Day 1 of the Republican State Convention.
The Maine GOP laid out its platform on several issues, including gubernatorial candidate Paul LePage’s proposal to eliminate state income tax. Also outlined Friday were Republicans’ long-standing goals, including welfare reform and enactment of “right to work laws” that limit the power of labor unions.
It was culture war issues in schools that dominated the changes to the state party platform Friday.
Some of the specifics include banning sex education and so-called “critical race theory” in schools, as well as banning teaching genders other than male or female, with the party calling it, “child sexual abuse.”
They also want to ban books that encourage students to choose their own gender, sexual orientation or pronouns.
Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau accused Republicans of attacking their fellow Mainers.
“It shows that they are more interested in attacking fellow Mainers and relaunching culture wars from the last decade than actually dealing with real issues affecting Maine’s hardworking families.”
Saturday, there will be several speakers including candidate for congress Bruce Poliquin and candidate for governor Paul LePage.