Lawmakers Say State-Funded Sex Ed Website 'Disgusting'

BOSTON (AP) - A group of Massachusetts lawmakers is calling on Gov. Deval Patrick to cut off state funding for a sexual education website aimed at teens, saying it uses "disgusting" language to describe sex acts and downplays the risks of abortion.

The site, www.mariatalks.com, is maintained by the AIDS Action Committee with the help of a $100,000 annual grant from the Public Health Department.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports.

The bipartisan group of legislators said Tuesday it was sending a letter to Patrick urging him to cut funding.

Rep. Marc Lombardo said the information about abortion on the site downplays medical and psychological risks and advises teens on how they can obtain abortions without telling their parents.

In a statement, the public health agency defended the site but said it would be willing to meet with critics and discuss possible changes in content.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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