Georgia’s refusal to participate in a federal survey questioning students as young as 12 about their sexual history is costing the state a chance at nearly $2 million in federal funds for disease prevention over the next five years.
The state has not included the questions from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey since the 1990s, but this is the first time the federal government has tied participation to $1.8 million in grants aimed at preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Georgia is one of four states that didn’t include the questions last year.
Gov. Nathan Deal’s office said he was uncomfortable about asking students in middle school and high school whether they use condoms and how many sexual partners they have — even if it means a loss of federal funds.
“Many Georgia parents would object to public schools asking their seventh-grade child these questions, and Governor Deal agrees with them,” Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said. “We don’t think that federal funds for programs should be cut based on the use of these questions, but Governor Deal will refuse federal funds if they come to policies that run contrary to Georgia values.”
via Stance on teen sex survey could cost Georgia nearly $2 million | www.myajc.com.
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