Opponents of a text hotline for teens to ask questions about sex are asking the Trump administration to take action against the program.
Critics of a program operated by the American Sexual Health Association are calling for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to intervene. The program, known as BrdsNBz, allows teenagers to anonymously text questions about sex.
Victoria Cobb at the Family Foundation says the governor should not be using money intended for abstinence education to finance the operation.
"Governor Northam has crossed a line with this gross invasion of our kids and young teens privacy while completely bypassing parents, and to do it with abstinence funding is even more appalling."
Virginia legal expert Rich Kelsey says he's sympathetic to the view that the money is being misused. But he says the Family Foundation wouldn’t have much of a case in court.
"From a legal standpoint, it is highly unlikely that a plaintiff in this matter is going to find recourse or success in challenging how these grants are applied."
Republicans were critical of the program earlier this year during the special session, although they were unable to zero out funding for the program in the state budget.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
