Listen to this articleSLAP: No more sex education
A bill that would make sex education optional in Utah schools and mandate abstinence-only curriculum if they choose to offer courses cleared the House. In a 45-28 vote, the Republican-dominated Legislature moved the bill on to the Senate. Rep. Bill Wright, R-Holden, sponsored the bill and said that any education on contraception, even the shortcomings of condoms, would be devastating and essentially promote a state endorsement of complete promiscuity. The bill is supported by ultra-conservative groups in the state and have enough support to clear the second body in the Legislature.
SNAP: Ireland supports same-sex marriage
Gay-rights advocates are heralding a poll that shows 73 percent of Ireland citizens favor the legalization of same-sex marriage. The poll used a basic approach that asked responders if they agreed or disagreed with the following statement: “Same sex marriage should be allowed in the Constitution.” Kieran Rose, Chair of Ireland’s Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said in a press release: “The poll confirms the openness of Irish people and their support for further critically important progress to achieving equality for lesbian and gay people.”
SLAP: 10-year prison sentence for gays
Liberia’s former first lady-turned-senator, Jewel Taylor, submitted a bill that would make homosexuality a first-degree felony, punishable by 10 years in prison. “We are only strengthening the existing law,” she told The Associated Press. “Some media are reporting that I said anyone found guilty of involvement in same sex should face the death penalty; I did not say so, I am calling for a law that will make it a first-degree felony.” Gay relationships are already outlawed and carry a one-year prison sentence if convicted. The bill comes on the heels of 10 arrests of women suspected of being lesbians in near-by Cameroon where they face a five-year sentence and a fine.
