PHA-Exchange> US Federal government agrees to stop funding abstinence-only program

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From:  <spiritof1848 at yahoogroups.com>

Federal government agrees to stop funding abstinence-only program

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.