Government Web site promoting abstinence-only receives protests

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS: WASHINGTON

How should you talk to your children about sex? Tell them no sex, says a new government Web site that proclaims "abstinence is the healthiest choice." That is dictating values, say such organizations as the American Civil Liberties Union and gay- rights groups, and they want the site taken down.

Michael Leavitt, the secretary of health and human services, says that the Web site is right on target.

The site is intended for parents who are embarrassed about talking with their children about sex, Leavitt said in a statement.

"Parents have a tremendous amount of influence on their children, and we want them to talk with their teens about abstinence so that they can stay safe and healthy," he said.

Promoting abstinence is fine, said Monica Rodriguez of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, but the government should also deal with the needs of teenagers who are already sexually active, gay or lesbian, or who have been sexually abused.

For example, she said yesterday, the site should promote the proper use of contraceptives, and it should not imply that homosexuality is wrong by encouraging parents of gay or lesbian children to consult a therapist.

"By and large, it's a Web site that believes in abstinence until marriage," said Rodriguez, whose advocacy group promotes comprehensive sexual education. "Everything on the Web site is designed to promote that value and help parents communicate that value to their children." 

NOTE:  Take a look at the web site for yourself…see what you think.

http://www.4parents.gov/index.html