TRENTON, NJ – Senator Joe Pennacchio responded to Governor Phil Murphy’s remarks on Face the Nation, where the governor expressed support for suing school districts over parental notification policies. Senator Pennacchio challenged Governor Murphy’s assertion, arguing that parental notification is crucial, especially concerning matters that involve the well-being of their children.
He emphasized that the LGBTQ community has recognized that up to 50% of children experiencing sexual dysphoria or questioning their sexual identity may contemplate suicide.
Senator Pennacchio believes that parents should not be kept in the dark when their children are facing such serious issues, and that they should be notified promptly to provide necessary support and care.
“The LGBTQ community has acknowledged that up to 50% of children who experience sexual dysphoria or question their sexual identity may contemplate suicide,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Parents shouldn’t find out when their children are in the hospital, or worse yet in the morgue, that they have been struggling with these serious issues. Parents who have cared for their children since birth should not be kept in the dark when their children are at risk.”
The governor declined to directly address the concerns raised by an attorney for the school board in Marlboro, who argued that blocking school officials from informing parents about these issues violates the constitutional right of parents to direct and control the upbringing of their children.
Senator Pennacchio reiterated his support for the Hanover Township Board of Education, which is facing a lawsuit from the Murphy administration over its parental notification policy. He believes that schools, like the Hanover Township Board of Education, are right in wanting to engage parents and notify them about any issues that may harm their children. He also expressed disappointment in Governor Murphy’s lack of trust in parents’ ability to care for their own kids.