The Lemon test has been extremely influential, as it aids in clarifying a complicated entanglement of religion and legislation. In addition to the clarity, the popularity could be attributed to the ease of applicability. Not only is the lemon test pertinent to state funding, but also pubic school curriculum. On example is Kitzmiller vs. Dover (2005). This case questioned the ability of schools to teach intelligent design (ID) as a scientific alternative to evolution. The concluding opinion stated that it was indeed unconsitutional to teach intelligent design as an alternative to evolution in a public school science classroom, as ID is grounded in religion. However, the process of forming that conclusion is much more important to determining
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Additionally many studies have taken a large scale approach, looking at trends across the United States. Stanger-Hall and Hall (2011) investigated the change in teen pregnancy rates as states implemented abstinence-only sex education. Even after accounting for confounding variables such as socioeconomic status or access to family planning services, they found that the increased emphasis on abstinence-based sex education was positively correlated with teenage pregnancy. This was shown on a national level, but also state based. The teenage pregnancy rates are highest in the states that heavily require abstinence …show more content…
It also shows that comprehensive sex education is more effective in postponing initiation of sexual activity and preventing unwanted pregnancies. These conclusions directly contradict the secular arguments made in support of abstinence-based education. As in Kitzmiller vs. Dover (2005), the scientific research outweighs the arguments and overarching purpose of the law in question. As the scientific literature argues against abstinence-based sex education, the validity of the secular arguments and purpose of abstinence until marriage programs can be questioned and refuted. Because of this lack in validity in the secular purposes, it is appropriate to argue the religious motivation of these sex education laws and regulations, which then violates the first prong of the Lemon
Additionally many studies have taken a large scale approach, looking at trends across the United States. Stanger-Hall and Hall (2011) investigated the change in teen pregnancy rates as states implemented abstinence-only sex education. Even after accounting for confounding variables such as socioeconomic status or access to family planning services, they found that the increased emphasis on abstinence-based sex education was positively correlated with teenage pregnancy. This was shown on a national level, but also state based. The teenage pregnancy rates are highest in the states that heavily require abstinence …show more content…
It also shows that comprehensive sex education is more effective in postponing initiation of sexual activity and preventing unwanted pregnancies. These conclusions directly contradict the secular arguments made in support of abstinence-based education. As in Kitzmiller vs. Dover (2005), the scientific research outweighs the arguments and overarching purpose of the law in question. As the scientific literature argues against abstinence-based sex education, the validity of the secular arguments and purpose of abstinence until marriage programs can be questioned and refuted. Because of this lack in validity in the secular purposes, it is appropriate to argue the religious motivation of these sex education laws and regulations, which then violates the first prong of the Lemon