University Forum in Puerto Rico Presents False Image of Human Sexuality, Says Human Life International: Father Welch Challenges Sex Ed Advocates to Public Debate

(FRONT ROYAL, VA) -- Father Richard Welch, C.Ss.R., J.C.D., President of Human Life International, the world's largest international pro-life and pro-family organization, today attacked the university symposium being held at the College of Cayey of the University of Puerto Rico, saying the symposium is presenting a false and dangerous image of human sexuality to the young people attending and challenging the symposium leaders to a public debate.

``You name the time and place for the debate and we'll bring the truth,'' Father Welch said. Father Welch served for twelve years as a parish priest in the Diocese of Caguas in Puerto Rico, as well as serving as the parish school principal. He is known here for his campaign of civil disobedience to stop abortions at San Juan Clinics in 1992-1993. Also, during his time as parish principal, he taught young people about chastity, which was enthusiastically received.

The university forum was held from Wednesday, February 9, through Friday, February 11, 2000 in Puerto Rico. Prostitutes from different countries spoke about the 'criminalization' of sexuality, including prostitution and pornography; and members of 'Pro-Familia' (Pro-Family), the Puerto Rico affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which supports abortion, talked about 'services' in sexual matters. Another speaker, the state government program director for sex education, discussed existing programs in which pre-school children are being taught about 'sexual self- protection' and children between fourth and sixth grade are taught about 'sexual preferences' and 'safe sex'.

``The College of Cayey has given a wide forum to prostitution, pornography, sexual experimentation, abortion and contraception. Is this what education is about? What sex educators are really doing is raising a generation without God, a generation taught too soon about the mechanics of sex and not taught at all about God's Plan for love and intimacy,'' said Father Welch.

``When will Puerto Rico's leaders wake up and see that sex education causes great harm to young people?'' asked Father Welch. ``Sex education in schools is robbing our children of their innocence. Isn't there already enough damage done by publications, radio, television and movies that degrade human sexuality?''

``Look at the record: sex education programs have failed to reduce teenage pregnancy, failed to reduce sexually transmitted diseases. The fruits of sex education have been a rise in abortions, out-of-wedlock pregnancies, venereal diseases, adolescent suicide, adolescent violence, and child abuse.

``I am asking parents to say NO to sex education. Parents have the primary and grave responsibility to teach their children about human sexuality, and that means a teaching based on moral principles and the tender ages of the children. Should parents need help in this area, I encourage them to contact our HLI Puerto Rico affiliate which is part of Vida Humana Internacional, our Hispanic outreach program. We promise to give them the truth, the support and the materials that they need.

``Let's see if the leaders of this symposium can stand up to the truth. Let's bring this debate into the public forum and let people hear and decide what is best for their children,'' concluded Father Welch.

(Founded in 1981, Human Life International is the world's largest pro-life and pro-family educational apostolate, with chapters in the United States and a network of international branches and affiliates serving 90 countries.)