[afro-nets] US government agrees to stop funding abstinence-only program

[Claudio Schuftan <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

US Federal government agrees to stop funding abstinence-only
program
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JAY LINDSAY
Associated Press

BOSTON - A nationwide abstinence-only program that uses a silver
ring to remind teens to remain sexually pure has lost federal
funding with the settlement of a lawsuit alleging it used the
money for Christian evangelization.

The Silver Ring Thing, which presents its message though comedy
skits and music, has received more than $1 million in federal
funding during the past three years.

But it won't be eligible for more unless it changes its program
to ensure the money isn't used for religious purposes, according
to the agreement reached Wednesday between the American Civil
Liberties Union and Department of Health and Human Services.

"Public funds were being used to fund a road show, really, to
convert teens to Christianity," said Julie Sternberg, an ACLU
attorney.