New York City
The City of New York began handing out 26 million condoms last week bearing the letter symbols of its various subway lines—but Catholic Church leaders were not amused. In a Valentine’s Day announcement, city officials said the “NYC condoms” are designed to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. “This is something we’re doing not just because it’s fun and sexy—although it is—but because it will save lives,” said Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. New York’s two senior Catholic clergymen, Cardinal Edward Egan and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, condemned the giveaway, saying it would “degrade societal standards.” A spokesman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “With all due respect to Cardinal Egan and Bishop DiMarzio, we feel differently.”
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