Posted by anovagrrl on August 28, 2003 at 08:28:10
It is interesting how different political action groups perceive each other. I have taught abstinence education and I actively support it as a component of any public sex education program.
At the same time, I have watched several million dollars in federal public health monies taken away from our state department of education because right-wing advocates blocked any funding of sex education programs that included "safer sex" methods and diversity tolerance along with abstinence in the curriculum.
My position is that there are many sexualities in the world. Abstinence is compatible with some, and not compatible with others. Abstinence education should be included along with diversity tolerance, which recognizes that some people do not value chastity and are willing to take the risk of STD transmission associated with condom use.