Jul 30, 2008 4:48 pm US/Pacific
Inmates To Get Condoms Despite Calif. Jail Sex Ban
SOLANO (CBS 5) ―
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Condoms will be handed out at a California prison as part of a pilot program.
CBS
California will soon launch a pilot program to provide condoms to prisoners.
The plan is aimed at ending the spread of STDs among inmates, but the catch comes when prisoners get caught using them.
"I don't understand it when they say, here, if you're going to have sex do this, but if we catch you having sex you're in trouble," said Inmate Michael Green.
While most people will concede there is sex behind bars - any kind of sex is illegal in prison - and some say this sends a confusing message. The pilot program at California State Prison Solano starts in September and is designed to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Singh/Associate Warden: 07:12 "Are we condoning sex? We are not," said Associate Warden Vimal Singh. "It is still illegal and if they are caught having sex. They will still go through the rules violation report."
The union that represents the more than 660 correctional officers who work at Solano opposes this plan.
It could be used to conceal drugs, or turn it into a weapon. But Mary Syllis with the Center for Health Justice, which will supply the condoms said similar programs have proved otherwise.
"Sure it's controversial. But we know that in other jails and facilities, where there's been access to condoms there haven't been negative consequences," said Syllis.
A prison spokesman admits after 50 years, this is a change of culture. If the program is deemed a success, condoms could potentially become available in the states 33 prisons.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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