Utah health officials are scrambling to recover 42,000 condoms which were distributed throughout the state before securing approval from Governor Gary Herbet. The condoms, which feature customized packing with Utah-themed sex puns, were created for a statewide HIV awareness campaign that partnered with non-profit organizations, activists, social clubs and bars for distribution.
Upon seeing the packaging (which had already been produced and distributed) Governor Hebert ordered them to be recalled because they were too provocative. He openly criticized the use of “sexual innuendo as part of a taxpayer-funded campaign.”
Jenny Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Health, told a local news outlet that she didn't know what they were going to do with them once returned, saying “... We don't have a plan yet. We're still scrambling to get them back.” However, Johnson did say that the program is still moving forward "We are still committed to providing this type of education to at-risk populations in the state. We just want to make sure it's done in a way that's appropriate.”
Many disagree with the governor's stance. Patient advocate and AIDS Foundation representatives caution that what government officials feel is inappropriate may actually be what's necessary to reach the population most at risk, noting that strategically subversive messages are often the most effective way to communicate with the public about sexual health.
An apology was issue by Utah state health officials on Wednesday, saying the condom labels did not go through the “necessary approval channels” and calling them “lewd” and “offensive.”
Photo: Courtesy of the Utah Department of Health