Indianapolis, January 22, 2026
Indiana legislators have introduced House Bill 1158, which would require public schools to teach the importance of waiting until marriage to have children as part of good citizenship instruction. The bill aims to promote responsible behavior among students, sparking debates on its implications for diverse family structures and educational standards. Supporters believe in its benefits for life outcomes, while critics express concerns about potential marginalization and vague language.
Indiana Schools May Teach Students to Wait Until Marriage to Have Children
Indianapolis, Indiana – A new bill introduced in the Indiana legislature aims to require public schools to teach students the importance of waiting until marriage to have children. The proposed legislation seeks to incorporate this message into the state’s “good citizenship instruction,” emphasizing the benefits of delaying parenthood until after marriage.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The bill, authored by Representative Dale DeVon, R-Granger, is titled House Bill 1158. It mandates that “good citizenship instruction” in schools include teaching students to wait until marriage to have children. This instruction would be part of a broader curriculum designed to promote responsible behavior and decision-making among students.
Context and Background
Indiana has a history of enacting laws that influence educational content, particularly concerning topics like human sexuality and parental rights. For instance, in 2023, the state passed House Bill 1608, which prohibits instruction on human sexuality for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. Additionally, the bill requires schools to inform parents if a minor student requests a change in name or pronouns. These legislative actions reflect ongoing debates over the role of education in addressing sensitive social issues.
Implications and Reactions
The introduction of House Bill 1158 has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and policymakers. Supporters argue that teaching students about the benefits of waiting until marriage to have children can lead to better life outcomes and promote responsible behavior. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for the bill to marginalize students from diverse family structures and the vagueness of the language used, which could limit honest, standards-aligned teaching. They also raise constitutional and legal concerns regarding the bill’s provisions.
Next Steps
As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the bill’s progress. Public hearings and debates are expected, providing opportunities for community input and further examination of the proposed requirements. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for educational practices and the broader discourse on parental rights and education in Indiana.
Key Features of House Bill 1158
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | House Bill 1158 |
| Author | Representative Dale DeVon, R-Granger |
| Mandate | Require public schools to teach students to wait until marriage to have children as part of “good citizenship instruction” |
| Context | Part of a series of education-related bills in Indiana, including House Bill 1608, which prohibits instruction on human sexuality for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade and requires parental notification for name or pronoun changes |
| Implications | Debates over promoting responsible behavior versus concerns about marginalizing diverse family structures and potential vagueness in language affecting teaching standards |
| Next Steps | Legislative process with public hearings and debates; potential significant impact on educational practices and parental rights discourse in Indiana |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is House Bill 1158?
House Bill 1158 is a proposed legislation in Indiana that aims to require public schools to teach students the importance of waiting until marriage to have children as part of “good citizenship instruction.”
Who authored House Bill 1158?
The bill was authored by Representative Dale DeVon, R-Granger.
What does the bill mandate?
The bill mandates that “good citizenship instruction” in schools include teaching students to wait until marriage to have children, emphasizing the benefits of delaying parenthood until after marriage.
What is the background of this legislation?
Indiana has previously enacted laws influencing educational content on topics like human sexuality and parental rights, such as House Bill 1608 in 2023, which prohibits instruction on human sexuality for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade and requires schools to inform parents if a minor student requests a change in name or pronouns.
What are the implications of this bill?
The bill has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and policymakers. Supporters argue it promotes responsible behavior, while critics express concerns about marginalizing students from diverse family structures and the vagueness of the language used, which could limit honest, standards-aligned teaching. Constitutional and legal concerns have also been raised.
What are the next steps for this legislation?
The bill is currently in the legislative process, with public hearings and debates expected. Stakeholders are closely monitoring its progress, as its outcome could significantly impact educational practices and the broader discourse on parental rights and education in Indiana.
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