Illinois Governor Puts Kibosh On Flavored Condoms

[gldstwmn]

http://www.nbc4.tv/irresistible/3964527/detail.html

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois' governor is pulling the plug on flavored and colored condoms. Gov. Rod Blagojevich is ordering the state public health department not to buy any more of the lively condoms.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Blagojevich feels the condoms are inappropriate because they encourage sexual activity.

But some health workers are disappointed by the decision. One outreach specialist, Dante Bryant, says the condoms in bright colors and flavors were able to catch the attention of young people.

"That's the generation we're trying to get because they're engaging in risky behavior," Bryant said.

Bryant said the center gets flavored and colored condoms from the state and then distributes them at bars or areas frequented by drug users to promote safe sex.

The Public Health Department has given clinics and local health agencies about 360,000 flavored condoms and 910,000 colored condoms this year. That's in addition to the millions of ordinary condoms it provides every year. This year, the state has spent more than $117,000 in federal funds on condoms.

After learning about the special condoms, the Democratic governor ordered the department not to buy any in the future.

"We're not encouraging sex. They're going to do it anyway," said Bryant. "What we're promoting is safe sex."

[dissention]

How absurd. I wouldn't buy them because they are incredibly nasty, but how do they promote sex more than regular condoms?

[ontheEdgeof17]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

But some health workers are disappointed by the decision. One outreach specialist, Dante Bryant, says the condoms in bright colors and flavors were able to catch the attention of young people.

"That's the generation we're trying to get because they're engaging in risky behavior," Bryant said.

Well, these "young people" shouldn't drive or hunt either if that is the case.

[madformac]

They have maybe got a point with flavored condoms... I mean, surely tasting Pina Colada, Banana or whatever other exotic flavour they come up with isn't top of the agenda at that point of the activites...

Having said that, coloured condoms are a different matter.. Especially the glow in the dark ones.. I'm sure they are very useful at night. You don't drive down the roads at night without your lights on do you?

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by dissention

How absurd. I wouldn't buy them because they are incredibly nasty, but how do they promote sex more than regular condoms?

They'll be next

[dissention]

Originally Posted by ontheEdgeof17

Well, these "young people" shouldn't drive or hunt either if that is the case.

They shouldn't be shipped off to Iraq, either, but that's neither here no there.

[tuigirl]

Originally Posted by madformac

They have maybe got a point with flavored condoms... I mean, surely tasting Pina Colada, Banana or whatever other exotic flavour they come up with isn't top of the agenda at that point of the activites...
:

eeerrr....just a minute...I'm sure, speaking from the "other" end ( unless you have a secret or two Mac )..I should think flavoured condoms are a bit more tasty than the "regular" ones and just as important, also, who keeps their eyes open under the covers anyway..nope ditch the coloured, and keep the other....unless there's more education in the Illinois classrooms, I can't see how theyr'e going to get the safe sex message across.Get teens to help out in STD labs or something?

[Little Nicki]

Wow... I'm very displeased with this. I live in Illinois and... wow. I can't believe that they would do such a thing. I hear this man wants to run for president in 2008 too!!