Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chicago Tribune - March 5, 2009
Tribune staff report
Even though sexual activity is banned in state prisons, condoms should be made available to deter HIV infections in inmates who ignore the ban, said Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago), the bill's sponsor.
"Safe sex is talked about every place except inside the prison," she said.
The legislation faces long odds to become Illinois law. But four Democrats on the House Human Services Committee voted Thursday to send the measure to the full House for consideration. Three Republicans on the panel voted against the bill.
Some lawmakers worried that condoms could be turned into weapons to strangle a person.
Sergio Molina, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Corrections, testified that the state invests resources in educating inmates about the risks of HIV and that making condoms available would "send the wrong signal" because sex is prohibited in prison.
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