Colombian Town Considers Requiring Residents to Carry Condom in Their Pocket

On Wednesday, William Pena, a councilperson in Tulua, said he will introduce a proposal to require that all men and women in the town, even those just visiting, carry at least one condom. Violators could be fined $180 or ordered to take a safe-sex course.

Asserting that "sexual relations are going on constantly," Pena said, "If you carry a condom, chances are you'll use it during the day." Town leaders will debate the proposal, which could go into effect by March.

Pena said Tulua, which is about 150 miles southwest of the capital city of Bogotá, has one of Colombia's highest rates of HIV infection. Last year, 17 percent of all pregnancies in Tulua were to women under age 18. Beginning next month, condom dispensers will be installed in bars and cinemas in the town.

Ramiro Cano, 19, said Pena's proposal was the talk of the town, and most young people he had spoken with support it. However, some Roman Catholic priests expressed anger at the idea.

"I would have to have a condom even though I'm a member of the clergy," said the Rev. Jesus Velasquez. A better solution would be improved sex education, said the Rev. Roberto Sarmiento. "Nobody can force someone to carry a condom in their pocket," he said. "They should instead carry the responsibility of what sexual relations mean."

The World Health Organization estimates that 190,000 Colombians are HIV-positive. Two million free condoms were distributed last year as part of a prevention campaign in Bogotá.

Back to other news for January 12, 2006