The World Congress of Families, representing family groups from over 70 countries, sees the upcoming Olympics as standing for “self-discipline and morality” and said planned condom-giveaway is “a pathetic publicity ply that contradicts the spirit of the Games.”
“Once, the Olympics stood for self-discipline and morality,” said Dr. Alan Carlson, founder of the World Congress of Families. “The planned condom distribution is a repudiation of that proud tradition.”
The planned distribution of the contraceptives will be administered by condom manufacturer Durex, who recently announced the 17,000-condom giveaway to athletes and officials at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, August 13-29. Citing the company’s statement, The World Congress of Families reported the company leeringly explains its donation of 30,000 lubricants as to “smooth the performance of the world’s elite sports people in the arena and under the covers.”
“It’s reasonable to assume that most of the young athletes at the games are single. Thus, Durex and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are promoting pre-marital sex,” Carlson said.
However, the company’s slogan directly contradicts values the World Congress of Families represent. In late March, the World Congress of Families III convention welcomed 3,300 delegates representing family groups in over 70 countries, who all adopted a declaration that reads in part: “Sexuality exists for the expression of love between husband and wife and for the procreation of children in marriage.”
The promotion of condoms can also be misleading to others on its effectiveness in preventing diseases, according to Carlson.
Not condoms but “only abstinence,” added Carlson, “works all the time” to stop the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
