Health News
2006-02-24
South Dakota
lawmakers reject condom restrictions
South Dakota's
senate education committee on Tuesday rejected by 4–3
a measure that would have prohibited the distr
South Dakota's
senate education committee on Tuesday rejected by 4–3
a measure that would have prohibited the distribution
of condoms, birth control pills, and other
contraceptives on public school property.
Republican state
representative Keri Weems sponsored the bill, saying
that it was in part a response to earlier testimony in a
house committee that birth control had been
distributed at school. Weems could not name a school
where this had occurred but said that the measure was
preventive in nature.
"This is a policy
statement of what we don't want happening in our
schools," Weems said. "We're here to set policy and not just
rectify wrongdoing." Condoms can give teens a false sense of
security, she said. "It is a preventive issue," agreed
Republican state senator Eric Bogue.
"I think the bill
is a solution looking for a problem," said Dick
Tieszen, a Sioux Falls, S.D., school district lobbyist. He
added that it is offensive to suggest contraception
has been distributed at public schools.
His view was
shared by a mother of four, Mary LaHood, who said, "I
have yet to hear any evidence that this is a widespread
problem or even a sporadic problem." Concerned
parents, LaHood added, can always talk with teachers,
counselors, or school officials.
"If it's truly a
policy that's running amok, you have all the ability
in the world to rectify it," said Sen. Ed Olsen, the
committee chairman. "I have great faith in local
schools to do what's right."
Though the
measure had passed the house, its failure in senate
committee effectively killed the bill. If passed, it
would have carried a misdemeanor penalty for
violations, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and
$500 in fines, said Bogue. (AP)
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