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Capstone Press, health conference sponsor, promotes homosexuality and high-risk sex for kids Editor’s note: Because of the explicit nature of some of the material in this article, it is not recommended for young people or for sensitive readers. Educators and other attendees expressed their shock and concern over the explicit, misleading and inaccurate sex education materials on display at the Capstone Press exhibit at the Minnesota School Health Education Conference held on February 5. As a sponsor of the conference, Capstone Press (of Mankato) had quite an elaborate display of their “Easy-to-Read Nonfiction for Grades K-12.” In a category called Life Matters Books (for grades 5-12), 12 books are part of a series called Perspectives on Healthy Sexuality. Clearly, the perspective presented is a pro-homosexual viewpoint with an unhealthy emphasis on condoms and an array of sexual choices (including sodomy i.e. oral and anal sex) for whenever the teen is “ready.” In the book Sexual Readiness: When Is It Right? children are told that “penetration of the penis into the vagina, anus, or mouth is just part of sex” (p.6) and that “there are three kinds of intercourse – vaginal, anal, and oral.” This is followed with a very explicit definition of all three, including, “Oral intercourse is sucking or licking the…” (Male and female genital de_script_ions follow this definition). In chapter 4 on “Setting Sexual Limits,” students are encouraged to answer questions such as “What parts of my partner’s body am I willing to kiss?” and “Am I willing to undress with the lights on in front of my partner? If not, am I ready for more intimate contact?” The author states, “Over time, you may change your sexual limits.” In the section on “Setting Sexual Standards for Yourself,” (p.34) young people are told, “Part of being ready for sex is deciding what you would like from a sexual relationship….expectations might be romance, a sense of humor, intimacy, and intercourse.” Page 38 states “Teens who are comfortable talking with their partner about sex may be ready for a sexual relationship.” This book ends with a picture of two young teens who “feel ready for a sexual relationship.” Homosexuality: What Does It Mean?, another book in the series, undermines the views of major religions by telling kids that homosexuals are born that way and that students need to accept their sexual orientation and that of others. “…some religions teach that homosexuality is wrong. This can be especially hurtful and confusing for gay or lesbian youth.” Using the false Kinsey statistics, the book states “1 in 10 people have a homosexual orientation.” Once again, very explicit definitions of oral sex are included as well as an encouragement to participate in mutual masturbation, using sex toys and other forms of outercourse. Outercourse is defined as “…sexual play without intercourse. It can provide sexual satisfaction for partners with little risk of spreading STDs.” In the book en_title_d Healthy Sexuality: What is it?, the author apparently doesn’t have a clue what it is. She entices youth into sexual experimentation by stating, “Outercourse is a way for couples to share sexual pleasure without having intercourse. They find sexual pleasure without penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus. Outercourse may include kisses, hugs, holding hands, touching, or mutual masturbation. It also may include petting above or below the waist, body rubbing, or protected oral sex” (p. 32). Students are not warned that “outercourse” can spread incurable skin-to-skin contact diseases such as herpes and HPV. On page 16 it states “…most teens of all sexual orientations have tried intercourse by age 19.” And that “a teen who feels like experimenting sexually is wise to do so with someone who is the same age emotionally and physically.” They are also told that they should go to a gay bar with friends. The end of the book assures readers that “It is natural for teens to experiment with sexual activity.” All they need to do is protect themselves with condoms, dental dams and good communication. If one is still hoping for an abstinence message in the book called Abstinence, disappointment awaits you. Sexual abstinence is given many definitions and teens are told they can decide “what abstinence means to them.” According to author Judith Peacock, abstinence can include oral and anal sex. If she hopes to assure teens that abstinence is possible for them, she does a poor job of it when she writes, “Abstinence does have possible problems. People may find it hard to stay abstinent for long periods of time.” She also states “teens experience a surge of sexual energy that can make abstinence difficult” and that “It can be tempting to break a commitment to abstinence to show love for another person.” Ms. Peacock continues with her throw-in-the-towel approach by adding that “teens can use the time when they are abstinent to learn about birth control and protection” and that “…even abstinent teens should be prepared in case they change their mind about having sex.” School districts should definitely change their mind if they have ordered the Perspectives on Healthy Sexuality series from Capstone Press. Their materials will not only put countless young people at risk for sexually transmitted disease, but pregnancy and emotional trauma as well. Capstone’s perspective on sexuality is not just unhealthy; it is dangerous.