IN THEORY:Government vs. parents

Several Christian leaders from groups such as the Florida Catholic Conference and the family-advocacy group the Eagle Forum are reportedly concerned about a Florida bill that would require 11- and 12-year-old girls to be vaccinated against sexually transmitted diseases.

They argue that the bill promotes promiscuity.

The bill's proponents, which include Democrat and Republican Florida lawmakers, say the bill could be a lifesaver because the vaccine — called Gardasil — blocks four types of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts and a large percentage of cervical cancer cases.

What do you think of the bill?

I think it's unrealistic to assert that a bill can promote promiscuity. Whether or not 11- or 12-year-old girls will engage in dangerous sexual activity is not dependent on what politicians dream up in Tallahassee. Conversely, I doubt that this legislation will be a very effective life-saver, either. It may prevent several potentially dangerous diseases, but will have no effect against many others, such as the AIDS virus — and it may even cause more harm than good by providing a false sense of security.

What troubles me most regarding all of this is the absence of parents in these children's lives. Where are they? It's a well-known fact that parents acting as positive role-models can reduce negative behavior in their children. We must recognize that a lack of parental participation in their children's lives is a significant factor in the promiscuity that's become increasingly common among children and teens.

We would be wise to focus on statewide awareness campaigns encouraging parents to spend more quality time with their children. This simple yet effective approach virtually guarantees a decline in most of the activities we find so troubling among today's youth. When a parent spends time with a child — whether it's reading a book, sharing a meal or taking them for a stroll in the park — they get in tune with what's happening in their child's life. This can serve as an early-warning system for potential trouble and it provides an opportunity to address issues when they first arise and are still manageable.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN

Chabad Jewish Center

As the father of a pre-teen girl, I feel strongly about this one. "Children are a gift of the Lord … blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them" says the Psalm. God gives children to their parents, not to the government.