By Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
July 2, 2001

(AgapePress) - The controversial report on sexuality released last week by Surgeon General David Satcher was apparently drafted by an internationally known authority on homosexuality and transgender practices.

The Washington Times identifies him a Eli Coleman, a senior advisor to Satcher. He directs the University of Minnesota Medical School's program on human sexuality. Among other things, the Satcher report concluded homosexuality is unchangeable, and expressed strong doubts about the effectiveness of abstinence-only programs.

Tom Pritchard is with the Minnesota Family Council. He tells The Times that Coleman's human sexuality program at the university "promoted some of the most outrageous behavior and activities." As an example, Pritchard cites an event for transsexuals and transvestites that was held at a local homosexual bar.

The Times also reports that under Coleman's leadership in 1999, the World Association for Sexuality adopted an 11-point "Declaration of Sexual Rights." Among other things, it declared that all people have the right to sexual freedom without discrimination.

Several pro-family groups have denounced the Satcher report, saying it failed to promote the key solution to all the nation's sexual problems: keeping sex within a marriage between a man and a woman.

Convoluted Report
Concerned Women for America says while the report does come to some "responsible conclusions," it turns around and "obliterates" those positive statements with qualifiers. The public policy organization calls the report's stance on abstinence "particularly convoluted."

"The report acknowledges abstinence as the only infallible form of contraception, but encourages youth to remain abstinent until they are 'involved in a committed, enduring, and mutually monogamous relationship,' " a CWFA statement says. "It does not warn that a series of monogamous relationships still leaves people open to the myriad of dangers of sexual relations with multiple partners."

The Satcher report claims the success of abstinence-only programs are not known because they have not been scientifically evaluated. The blame for that, according to CWFA, lies with those like the Surgeon General, who have chosen not to evaluate such programs. The group says it is the Surgeon General's responsibility to teach the strongest moral lifestyle, which is the healthiest.

© 2001 AgapePress all rights reserved.

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