More and more states are refusing federal money for “abstinence-only” sex education programs. According to an article in the Dec. 16 Washington Post, no fewer than 14 states have turned up their noses at the federal dollars, an increase from four states in 2006.
For the past 75 years, Washington has done its best to make states dependent upon federal handouts. And the states have cooperated willingly. It’s news when states just say no to money from Uncle Sugar, even when their objection is to the strings attached.
Apparently, states have found that preaching abstinence doesn’t work. Really! Raging hormones beat the government’s proclaiming, “Thou shalt not.” Who could’ve imagined it?
It’s very important to educate young people about sexual hygiene, birth control, and the burdens of being a parent. Such knowledge can save at least some kids from major grief. It’s not government’s business to promote virginity, any more than it should be in the business of advocating promiscuity. In a society such as ours, drenched as it is in tease and innuendo (for the advertising industry has not yet found it possible to mainstream graphic sex), a strictly hands-off attitude (no pun) is not good enough. Education there must be, but please, let’s be real. Kids are doing it, and they’re going to keep on doing it. Let’s work to make the playing field as safe as possible.
