School districts that offer sex-education courses would have to include information on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases under a measure approved Thursday by a Senate committee.

Republicans blasted the measure, arguing that the state shouldn't prescribe how schools teach sex education.

"If people knew what we were talking about in here - math, science and condoms - they would be horrified," said Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton.

House Bill 1292 wouldn't require schools to offer sex education if they don't currently do so. But it would set statewide standards mandating that programs be rooted in science.

The Senate Education Committee advanced the bill on a 4-3 party-line vote. The measure, by Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, would require schools to emphasize abstinence as the only sure-fire defense against pregnancy and disease.