Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act

Over the years, innocent families have become the victims of over-intrusive government action. Some egregious examples include: condom distribution against parental consent; teacher certification of home schooling parents; intrusive values clarification tests and surveys; government mandated bedtimes for children; explicit and offensive sex education classes; etc. Parental Rights and Responsibilities Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, responds to this disturbing trend by setting a legal standard to determine when the government may and may not interfere with the family. It would essentially prohibit any level of government from infringing the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. This legislation would, however, maintain existing federal and state protections of children from abuse and neglect.

H.R. 1946 reflects the belief that the government does not raise children -- parents do. I believe that with the passage of this legislation, responsible parents will be able to confidently go about the business of parenting without the threat of state action. Our families deserve this measure of protection.