A forthcoming bill targeting child grooming might restrict sex education. Here’s how.

Last month, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed HB2310—a bill that aims to prosecute distributing sexual images to children. But community groups and teachers say it has the capability of instead targeting those who provide inclusive education on gender and sex. 

Sexual assault survivors and their advocates say that the law Hobbs signed on May 17—originally called the "anti-grooming" bill—allows prosecutors to charge people who may give pornographic materials to youth. But LGBTQ+ advocates have raised alarms that the bill is intentionally vague and could easily be used in bad faith by parents, law enforcement, or county attorneys with an anti-LGBTQ+ history.

The bill was written by Rep. Travis Grantham (R-Gilbert) and in coalition with the Hobbs administration, according to a statement he made on the House floor. It originally attempted to enshrine the term “grooming” as a new felony statute. People who distribute pictures of genitals or female breasts to minors could be charged.