by KYW’s Tony Romeo

The Rendell administration is defending its decision to seek $1.7 million dollars in federal funding for abstinence-only sex education programs, which has drawn criticism from progressive groups, including ACT UP.

Even though the Rendell administration has generally spurned funds in the past, Pennsylvania Health Department spokeswoman Claudine Battisti says it doesn’t oppose abstinence programs:

“We just don’t think it should be the only part of sex education.”

But Battista says while it remains committed to its belief in comprehensive sex education, the administration has now decided to allow what amounts to a pass-through of federal dollars to community groups and schools that will have to provide their own matching funds for abstinence-only programs:

“There are people whose moral beliefs, religious beliefs, what have you, really believe this is a viable alternative. So, there are many arguments to this absolutely, but, again, we won’t stand in their way.”

Battisti also says the administration is satisfied that regulations regarding medical accuracy have been tightened.