Hooray! The New York Times is saying that New York State has decided to reject over $3.5 million dollars of abstinence only government funding and increase state funding for comprehensive sex education programs instead. New York is the 10th state to reject the funding which mandates that abstinence is the only acceptable method of “sexual activity” for non-married teenagers and adults (up to 30 years old). Abstinence only curriculum frequently includes:

• Homophobic messages
• Misinformation about efficacy rates of contraception and condoms
• Vilification of teens who are already sexually active as “dirty” or “tainted”
• Stereotypical gender roles straight out of “Father Knows Best”

I’m extremely happy that New York has decided to reject this funding. If only the other 40 states would join in!

This is a big passion of mine. For more information check out previous posts about:

How abstinence only education does not work

The REAL act

Government recommends abstinence until the age of 30

How abstinence programs lie