The ACLU has waited long enough.
On Thursday, February 18th, they filed a lawsuit against USAID for refusing to comply with their Freedom of Information Act requests from July and September 2009, for documents related to USAID-funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs abroad. The ACLU has patiently awaited documents that may help shed light on an audit completed last year suggesting USAID is dispersing money, unconstitutionally, for religiously-based HIV prevention programs.
The report, filed by the Office of Inspector General, surveyed 9 out of the 10 faith-based organizations using USAID funds and stated clearly that USAID-awarded funds were being used for religious activities.
For example, USAID monies fund abstinence-only-until-marriage programs for African youth that include "Biblical stories and religious messages." What do these look like?
One curriculum, used for HIV/AIDS prevention education, includes an optional psalm for self-reflection: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
The take-away concept the curriculum sums up: "God has a plan for sex and this plan will help you and protect you from harm."
~ more... ~
No comments:
Post a Comment