Washington, D.C. will become the first U.S. city in the United States to distribute female condoms for free. This is part of a project to fight HIV/AIDS. Nationwide, the leading cause of death for black women aged 25-34 is HIV/AIDS. A 2008 report found that DC's HIV/AIDS rate is 3%, or about 15,100 people -- a major epidemic. Some health officials think the rate is probably closer to 5% because many people might not be aware that they are infected.
Distribution will begin in a few weeks in the areas of DC that have been found to have high HIV rates and a large number of individuals engaging in risky sexual behavior. The female condoms will be distributed by social service organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, the Community Education Group, and the Women's Collective. In addition, the female condoms will be made available in places like beauty salons, convenience stores, and high schools. They program officials say anywhere male condoms are available, female condoms will be available too. Staffs of community organizations are training to demonstrate how the condom should be used properly. One group is in talks with a DC hair salon to introduce the condom and provide instructions there. The project is funded through a $500,000 grant from the MAC AIDS fund.
This new program is an acknowledgement that relying solely on male condoms to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS is not working -- as male condoms have been distributed citywide for nearly a decade. Officials said they are turning to female condoms to give women more power to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, especially when their partners refuse to wear protection. (Full Story)
In "More Reasons Why I'm Glad I Don't Live in Virginia" news: The attorney general of Virginia is advising the state's public colleges to rescind policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. He stated that only the Virginia General Assembly can determine which classes of people are protected by state government nondiscrimination policies. Proposals to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation have repeatedly failed in the legislature. The attorney general said that state institutions cannot adopt a policy position that is rejected by the General Assembly.
In response, Virginia's Democratic Party chairman said that colleges can set their own policies. Furthermore, gay rights activists say that this could cost Virginia top students and faculty. (Full Story)
In addition to what the opponents above said, it should also be stated that an attorney general should not be working to discriminate against people. Plus, these Republicans are always the ones complaining about big government interfering too much...
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