Posted on 08/27/2006 10:26:44 AM PDT by calcowgirl
Public health agencies and nonprofits would begin distributing condoms to California prison inmates under a bill sent this week to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a measure modeled after similar programs in other states and cities.
Democrats who support the effort said making condoms available will help control the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
"Everyone knows that sex happens in prison, and short of solitary confinement for all ... inmates, the state is unable to prevent it," Assemblyman Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood, said in a statement.
Various studies put the incidence of homosexual activity inside prisons at between 30 percent and 60 percent of male inmates, while the rate of HIV infection is at least five times that of the outside population, Koretz said.
Critics say the spread of sexual diseases could be prevented by enforcing state law, which bans sex between inmates. Republicans who oppose the bill said distributing condoms in prisons will only encourage sex between male inmates.
Sen. Charles Poochigian, R-Fresno, said the bill "sends entirely the wrong message."
"Prisons are to punish criminals. They shouldn't be sanctioning activities that are illicit," said Poochigian, who is running for state attorney general.
Instead, Poochigian said state prisons should clamp down on prison gang activity, which encourages sexual acts between inmates.
The bill's opponents also said inmates could use condoms as weapons or as devices to hide illegal drugs.
California prisons have an average of 1,240 inmates infected with HIV/AIDS, costing the department more than $18 million a year in health care, according 2003-2004 data provided by the state Department of Corrections.
Condoms are available in prisons in Vermont and Mississippi, as well as in jails in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and the District of Columbia, according to research by Koretz's office.
Australia, Canada, most of the European Union and parts of Latin America also allow condoms to be distributed in prison, according to the Koretz research, which was compiled from AIDS foundations and academic studies.
The Senate approved the bill Thursday 22-16 along party lines.
A Schwarzenegger spokesman said the governor had not taken a position on the bill.
"Prisons are to punish criminals. They shouldn't be sanctioning activities that are illicit," said Poochigian, who is running for state attorney general.
Instead, Poochigian said state prisons should clamp down on prison gang activity, which encourages sexual acts between inmates.
Why is there such a problem with 'solitary confinement for all prisoners'?? It's a PRISON, not a social club! Ack. Maybe prison would be a better deterrent if it was actually something scary, you think?
I think this is a good idea because it could help prevent the spread of disease to prison rape victims. Plus it could probably help cut prison healthcare costs.
With roughly 1 prison employee per inmate, one wonders when inmates get all this "intimate" time together.
The sociopathic rapists aren't aren't going to wear the condoms anyway. The sensible solution is to have them on giant treadmills generating electricity.
I don't know when it happened, but it is apparent to me that Free Republic has become ever increasingly populated by juveniles, who lack the ability to think critically. Your response is evidence of that! May God help us!
(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )
(No more Olmert! No more Kadima! No more Oslo! )
Which part of what I said is incorrect? Do you think condoms don't decrease the spread of disease? Do you think treating infected inmates doesn't cost money? Do you think inmates won't use condoms? Do you just disagree with my belief that decreased disease is desirable? Or what?
Correcting my own post... I meant to say
With roughly 1 prison employee for every three inmates...
Do you think a prison rapist is going to put on a condom?
Homophobe! /s
Watch out... they might come after you for hate speech and discrimination!
While he's raping someone? Of course not.
Then how would condoms "help prevent the spread of disease to prison rape victims. "
LOL!!
Firstly, all condoms, including latex, are permeable. While some condoms may prevent the passage of some microbes, none prevent the passage of the aids virus. The idea that they do, is one of the biggest frauds, perpetrated on the public to date! Secondly, I cannot imagine, why in the world, anyone would want to legitimize and act which is patently illegal and, by any reasonable standards, immoral!
Comment: Having lived in those times I can say without hesitation that prior to 1960 this individual would have never been elected. Today he gives us the law. Condoms are his 'Good,' they are what he values, a reflection of what he is. Therefore, do not be suprised at what he and his ilk impose upon the people.
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