Opinion: The GOP platform plank on sexual abstinence
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In the wake of today’s revelation that Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old, unwed daughter is pregnant, the following plank in the Republican platform for the 2008 presidential campaign is sure to garner more attention than usual.
Here it is:
We renew our call for replacing “family planning” programs for teens with increased funding for abstinence education, which teaches abstinence until marriage as the responsible and expected standard of behavior. Abstinence from sexual activity is the only protection that is 100 percent effective against out-of-wedlock pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS when transmitted sexually. We oppose school-based clinics that provide referrals, counseling, and related services for abortion and contraception.
Approving the platform is one bit of business that will proceed at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Many of the convention’s other activities, including speeches that had been scheduled for tonight, have been canceled or rearranged because of Hurricane Gustav.
-- Don Frederick
Bristol Palin, 17, holds her brother Trig during the campaign rally where Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., introduced Bristol and Trig’s mom, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, as his vice presidential running mate in Dayton, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Sarah Palin said Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter is five months pregnant. With Bristol is, left to right, their father Todd and sisters Piper and Willow. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)