Condom Machines Installed in San Francisco Jail

What are you in for?

​The comparison of a major city jail and a bar bathroom is not the most apt. But, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported, both will now have condom machines.

The 16 dispensers, funded by U.C. San Francisco and an unnamed Southern California nonprofit, are the next step in a safe sex program at the county lockup in San Bruno. Condoms have been informally distributed among inmates for more than 20 years. Now, however, you don't need a social worker to hand you a jimmy -- just a handful of quarters.

City officials are reiterating the same argument as those who disseminate condoms to high-schoolers: Prophylactics don't encourage sex; sex happens. Prophylactics encourage safe sex.



"It may be controversial, but I think the larger health education message is important," Sheriff Michael Hennessey told the Chron.

Let it not be said San Francisco isn't educating its prisoners. 

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