ACLU Sues Health and Human Services over Abstinence Education Program

The John Guest Evangelistic Team designed an abstinence program called the "Silver Ring Thing" to promote sexual abstinence until marriage. Young people who complete the program receive a silver ring to symbolize their commitment. The program was modified to fit into the federal government faith-based initiatives.

The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, the federal organization funding the Silver Ring Thing program, claiming the program violates the separate of church and state and is a misuse of federal funds.

According to Denny Pattyn, president and founder of Silver Ring Thing, he "is aware of the proper designation of the federal funds received and asserts that these monies have been properly directed"

ACLU Sues HHS over US Govt Funding of Silver Ring Thing Abstinence Initiative, Says Program Promotes Christianity

Silver Ring Thing