ACLU Encourages States To Refuse Abstinence Grants

Today's Washington Times reports that the ACLU is targeting 18 states to encourage them to reject federal funds for "abstinence only" sex education programs in public schools. Among the ACLU's reasons for opposing the programs is their claim that the programs promote religion. Maine announced this week that it will join California and Pennsylvania in rejecting grant money available under Title V of the Social Security Act (42 USC Sec. 710). The Bush administration has proposed increasing the funding for abstinence programs in next year's budget to $206 million.