Illinois House Committee Approves Condoms in Prisons

ILLINOIS: "House Panel OKs Condoms in Prisons"
Chicago Tribune (03.05.09)

The House Human Services Committee voted 4-3 in favor of a measure that would allow Illinois inmates to purchase condoms in prison. "Safe sex is talked about every place except inside the prison," said Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago), the bill's sponsor. Davis argued that even though sexual activity is banned in state correctional institutions, condoms should be available to help prevent HIV transmission among inmates who have sex anyway. Illinois Department of Corrections spokesperson Sergio Molina said the bill would "send the wrong signal." The measure now advances to the full House, but its chances of becoming law are seen as slim.