Tax dollars and sex ed

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My home state of Connecticut has recently unveiled a new website sponsored by the Department of Children and Families. CTParenting.com, paid for with tax money, has a video greeting by Gov. Jodi Rell, welcoming visitors "with great pride" to explore the website for resources and answers to their questions. After all, she says, we want to "keep our families safe, healthy, and happy."

A click on the section for "teens" brings readers to a list of topics. A few of them, including one called "I think I might be gay," lead to the website of Advocates for Youth. For the record, AFY receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control, so federal tax dollars are at work here, too.

Here are some highlights from the Advocates for Youth site, proudly brought to Connecticut residents of all ages courtesy of the Department of Children and Families:

In the Faith & Spirituality section of "Queer Living," young readers can find discussions about the "flawed interpretations of Christ's teachings" when it comes to homosexuality. They can also read about the failure of ex-gay ministries. From the Frequently Asked Questions section, youthful readers can learn how to find out if they're "queer, lesbian, bisexual or transgender." In case there was any doubt, "It is totally normal to question your sexuality and gender identity." Another FAQ asks: "Should I have sex with my partner?" The answer? "There is no 'should' when it comes to sex." AFY's home page has a "Take Action" section in which readers are encouraged to tell their senators that it's "time to stop abstinence-only programs." Apparently the Senate Finance Committee had the audacity to pass an amendment authorizing $50 million in funding for such programs, which means, according to AFY, it "gave conservative ideology a victory over science and common sense."

Personally I think it's time for Connecticut parents to exercise some real common sense and tell the state that it has no business directly or indirectly advising teens---or anyone else---in matters of sex, gender identity, or faith.

Marcia Segelstein Marcia is a former WORLD contributor.

Family & Society

Tax dollars and sex ed

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