Show f from abstinence PJ P.J. Huffstutter Los Angeles Times In an emerging revolt against only abstinence-only S sex x education states are turning down millions o of f dollars in federal grants unwilling to accept White House dictates that the money be used for classes classes' focused almost exclusively on teaching chastity In Ohio Gov Ted Strickland said that regardless of the states state's sluggish economic picture he simply did not see the point in taking part in the controversial State Abstinence Education Grant program any more Five other states Wisconsin Connecticut Rhode Island Montana and New Jersey either already have or plan to drop out of the program which is managed by a unit of the US U.S. Department Department- of Heath and Human Services by the end of the year Strickland like most of the other ther governors who are pulling the plug on the funding said in pulling out of the program last month that the program has too many restrictions and rules to be practical Among other things the money cannot be used to promote condom or contraceptive use and requires teachers to emphasize ideas such as bearing children outside of wedlock is is harmful to society and likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects And according to the governors governor's spokesman Keith Dailey Strickland sees little evidence that the program has been effective Weve spent millions of dollars on such education since Ohio first started getting grant money in 1998 Dailey said If the state is going to spend money on teaching and protecting kids the governor believes its it's better betterto to spend it in a smarter more comprehensive approach |