WHEREAS, With approximately 70% of teenage pregnancies occurring outside of marriage, the epic proportions of this pervasive problem continues to impacts on both the family and society at large; and
WHEREAS, Statistics further bear out that more than 40% of the teenager who become pregnant within a given year are school dropouts; and
WHEREAS, Youth abstaining from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the related emotional trauma inherent within both; and
WHEREAS, The adoption of chastity and chaste living has been shown to promote sexual self-control, self-esteem and self-respect, regardless of previous sexual behavior; and
WHEREAS, Under the auspice of the Family Life Educational Foundation, experienced chastity educators and teens of the Chastity Education Network provide peer testimony and facilitate workshops on various topics surrounding the concept of chastity. Parent meetings are also held to encourage the discussion of chastity within the home; and
WHEREAS, Chastity education emphasizes, among other points, the effect of substance abuse on increasing vulnerability to sexual advances and preventing good decision making; and
WHEREAS, “Chastity Day” presentations have been delivered in numerous schools and before various youth groups with cumulative annual attendance of over 10,000 participants; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby declare the week of April 29 to May 3, 2002 “Chastity Awareness Week” in Philadelphia County and encourage both adult and youth participation in “Chastity Day” presentations and activities for schools and youth groups.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Family Life Educational Foundation as evidence of the respect and sincere regard of this legislative body. We applaud their efforts to address the issue of value education and the importance of its reinforcement by parents, educators, civic leaders and the community alike.
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