Topeka ? The State Board of Education today voted 6-4 for an opt-in policy on sex education, despite arguments from health experts that it would reduce the number of students receiving information about the dangers of unprotected sex.

In addition, board members said they would consider at a future meeting whether to require that local school districts use abstinence-only sex education.

“I don’t like the message that says we know you’re going to have sex, so here’s the safer way to do it,” said board member Kathy Martin, a Republican from Clay Center.

The board’s action shocked sex education advocates.

“I’m frightened,” said Debra Rukes, director of the Topeka YWCA teen pregnancy prevention program.

Rukes and other health experts said the opt-in policy would result in a decrease of students taking sex education in school.

Under opt-in, parents must sign a permission slip for their children to take the sex education class.

Most school districts have an opt-out policy, where the parent can sign a form that removes their child from the sex education class if they want.

Teachers said many parents would fail to opt-in because they would forget, are too busy or in some cases, neglectful.

The four-member minority urged the board to consider a policy that told districts to use either the opt-in or opt-out policy.

Board member Carol Rupe, R-Wichita, argued that would allow districts to choose whichever policy they think best.

“With both methods, parents have to be informed,” she said.

But Chairman Steve Abrams, R-Arkansas City, said opt-in would increase parental involvement. “It’s about empowering parents,” he said.

Martin said she hoped to later tie school accreditation to teaching abstinence-only sex education.

Martin was the key vote. In September, the board deadlocked 5-5 over the opt-in, opt-out dispute with Martin wanting to recommend both.

But she switched to opt-in after complaining that she heard from parents who were upset with what was being taught.