Satcher Urges Sex Dialogue; Critics Urge Ouster

In a report that prompted a call for his dismissal and put him at odds with the Bush administration, Surgeon General David Satcher on Thursday urged a national dialogue on sexuality and sexual education that goes beyond just the teaching of abstinence. Satcher's research-based "call for action" says there is no valid evidence showing that sexual orientation can be changed, and it outlines how stigmatization and harassment of gay men and lesbians can affect mental health.

Satcher, who was appointed by President Clinton and kept on by Bush, said his is "not a political or religious responsibility," but rather "to communicate the best public science that we have." But Focus on the Family, a Christian ministry and family advocate, wants Bush to replace Satcher "immediately," said spokesperson Peter Brandt. Calling the report "bad science and bad medicine," he charged that Satcher is being used as a "pawn by liberal groups to add credit to their ideology." Heather Cirmo of the Family Research Council, another advocacy group said, "Dr. Satcher is on shaky ground." Her objections include "his call to destigmatize so-called sexual orientation" and a lack of emphasis on marriage.

Others were supportive, however. "Generally, this is a good report," said Deborah Hauser of Advocates for Youth, which participated in the discussions that helped produce it. "I respect the surgeon general for getting it out." William Smith of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States said he was "particularly pleased this report has brought human sexuality to the forefront of public discussion." Satcher, in an interview, said that in view of the consequences of ignorance, talking about sex is a "public health imperative," and that he hopes to "jump-start an open discussion" on issues like preventing STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

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