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Oregon Couple Drops Condoms in Kids’ Trick-or-Treat Bags

Parents in one Oregon town were not amused when their trick-or-treaters came home with a bag full of candy and — courtesy of one local couple — condoms.

Oregon Couple Drops Condoms in Kids Trick or Treat Bags

Condoms packaged to look like Halloween lollipops

As a result, a post-Halloween controversy has brewed up among residents of the town of Silverton.

Kathleen Harris says she and her husband have been handing out condoms to high school-age trick-or-treaters for years, but introduced the practice to Silverton this year after recently moving to the area. Though Harris and her husband view the prophylactic “treats” as a community service that promotes health, local dad Daniel Côté disagrees.

Côté says he was shocked when his 14-year-old daughter received condoms from Harris, calling it an intrusion of family privacy and a violation of his paternal rights to raise his daughter as he wishes. “It is hard for me as a parent to imagine any justification for giving children condoms without parents’ consent,” Côté told the Statesman Journal. “It’s inappropriate. I want to deal in my own house with my own children.”

Harris admits that giving condoms to a 14-year-old was a mistake; the couple’s standard practice is to hand them out to kids who claim to be at least 16. She says she doesn’t believe that handing out the contraceptive encourages sexual behavior. Instead, she insists they are an educational tool to get kids familiar with what they look like should they decide to have sex in the future. She says she also encourages kids to pass them on to other people they might know who need them.

“It’s harm reduction,” Harris says. “Kids are going to do these things anyway, so we want them to have to at least think about it ahead of time.”

But Côté and other parents vehemently disagree with Harris’ reasoning.

“When my daughter came back home, we always go through her candy, and we pulled out a toothbrush and then a small brown paper bag that was folded up and there were three condoms inside,” Côté says. Though his daughter said she remembered getting the paper bag, she assumed it had candy inside.

“By providing kids with condoms, you’re promoting sexual activity no matter how you look at it,” Côté said, adding that while he respects the Harrises’ opinions, they shouldn’t impose them on other people.

“[Sex is] definitely a subject reserved for family, not some neighbor I hardly know in a neighborhood somewhere,” he says.

Comments (103)

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  • UlyssesP
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:05pm

    This whole thing stinks. What’s next, “Well, little girl, do you know what this is for? Come in and let us demonstrate…”

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • sts514
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:39pm

    One word describes this kind of liberal thought process and so called ‘risk-reduction’ — “SLEAZE !!” Oregon has some serious problems, and yes I do know, because I used to live in the State, albeit not in Silverton with their inappropriately behaving Mayor, and I knew then and know now that politically – I never belonged there. The Harris‘s are very lucky they didn’t become victims of violence for their behavior of SLEAZE.

    Report Post » sts514  
  • HTuttle
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:12pm

    Liberals know what’s best for your children!

    Report Post »  
  • thewipf
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:08pm

    As a side note this is Silverton OR, the only town in America with a transgender mayor.

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:05pm

    We live in a college town & get “kids” from all age groups, including college age. I would never turn them away because they are still kids. But we give out candy! This condom crap is a perversion. Let the neighborhood dads talk to the offenders.

    Report Post »  
  • We Are Not Alone
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:00pm

    Why am I shocked that the west coast voted Democratic….. they are nuts…

    Report Post » Want our country back  
  • jcons114
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:59pm

    Harm reduction is a flawed approach to this. It treats ppl like possible carriers of disease or something. We need to address the behavior and change that. not encourage it and say “just don’t hurt anyone.” I agree with JRHEGLESON’s parallel of extramarital sex. it does endorse it. Although in a side note I’m 24 and i wish i could go trickor treating :)

    Report Post »  
  • burnteye86
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:58pm

    Why not clean hypodermic needles too?

    burnteye86  
    • FREE-FOR-ALL
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 12:09am

      They do pass out needles here, so your to late on that. they already had that idea. now we find the damn things all over. got to keep these dope somken crake shooten numskulls high.

      Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:57pm

    The “children” would have been better served with brochures informing them of all the diseases they would still be at risk contracting. Or the unplanned pregnancies, should the rubbers break, etc.

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • EP46
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:54pm

    Maybe these two could be listed on the sex offender data base. Sounds like perverts to me. Please leave the children alone and let them be children and let parents teach them about sex and pedophiles. And I agree….not they are not going to do it any way if they have proper upbringing and values. These people and the schools are taking away all self respect from these children.

    Report Post »  
  • ddritter
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:48pm

    Side note: Part of parenting is telling your teenager that they are too old for Trick-or-Treating.

    Report Post »  
  • Chicago Ray
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:48pm

    These are the same people who are molesting the kids in all the schools everywhere anyone can see for themselves here on WND’s Big List. http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=39783

    We just had a scumbag arrested today here in my neck of the woods for raping a young schoolkid. I don’t call it molesting, I call it rape because that’s what it is. These libs are the ones‘ who also claim ’making it with a teacher is every schoolboy’s fantasy”….maybe in their delusional world, all my female teachers were far from dream women and that’s the way it should be.

    Your there to learn, not look up skirts and shorts all day.

    Today we have all these mentally unstable young women getting into teaching so they have their pick of the litter of little boys who will give them the attention their two lesbian mommies couldn’t provide. We‘re just seeing the beginning of the wrecked lives from these dual same sex parent train wrecks Hollywood makes seem like it’s every other ‘family’.

    Our society is on the ledge thanks to these liberal indoctrinated freaks of nature.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • Sunnyr
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:48pm

    Once again I am embarrassed to live in one of the most liberal states in America. We have more Far Left Wing Screwballs per square inch than any other state other than California, New York or Vermont. If I was a parent whose child came home with Condoms in his bag, I would hunt down those drooling idiots and they would think twice before they tried to push off their morality on innocent children again. Low-life bastards!

    Report Post » Sunnyr  
    • youngwitty
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:01pm

      I live on oregon to btw, I’m 19 and if it was in my candy bag, I would solve the problem my self. God bless my seriously influenceable mind.

      Report Post »  
  • ddritter
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:46pm

    Side note: Parenting also includes telling your teenager that they are too old to go trick-or-treating.

    Report Post »  
  • JRHelgeson
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pm

    Okay… picture this: A husband is about to go on a business trip. His wife walks up and puts condoms in his suitcase and says “Honey, I know you’ll be faithful to me but should you choose to do so, here are some condoms so you’ll be safe.”

    How could that NOT be considered endorsement of extramarital sex? How is that any different than handing condoms to kids?

    Report Post » JRHelgeson  
    • Rapunzel
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:03pm

      That’s brilliant.

      I am so sick of the progressive argument (which stems from belief in evolution) that humans have no control over their own desires.

      Report Post » Rapunzel  
    • diesel71dan
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:45pm

      VERY well said. I hope you don’t mind but I will use that statement.

      Report Post »  
    • youngwitty
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 8:57pm

      I love that argument, leave it to conservatives we always got a good answer ;). Logic always wins.

      Report Post »  
  • Seagal45
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pm

    I agree grandmaof5, this has gone on way too long. If it were my child, first of all at that age they would not be out trick or treating, and secondly someone would have gotten their ass kicked.

    Report Post »  
  • lbsm
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:40pm

    Maybe the condoms were a bad idea…but look on the bright side…i’ve heard of things much much worse ending up in those Halloween bags.

    Report Post » lbsm  
  • Flashover
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:39pm

    Don’t go back to the house.

    “It’s inappropriate. I want to deal in my own house with my own children”, You were not in your house. Your, child was out in the world. If you didn’t prepare them for i,t in your house, you have nothing to complain about. They knocked on a stranger’s door, and you let them. You got what you deserved.

    I do not agree with giving condoms for trick or treat, but I would never trust a stranger to give my children anything.

    Report Post »  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:57pm

      Do (did) your children ever go trick or treating? They got what they deserved? The person you should be angry with is the pervert who committed the act. Please don’t justify bad actions & blame a victim because they have been harmed.

      Report Post »  
  • Pyx
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:38pm

    No doubt, Obama voters. … and the sexualization of children continues unabated.

    Report Post » Pyx  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:38pm

    Where is the contributing to the delinquency of a minor? You can’t sell them, why can you give them away. And secondly, who let’s a teenager go trick-or-treating, unless they are walking a younger sibling around. God help our kids, they can’t even get away from progressive crap in their own neighborhood.

    Report Post »  
    • Bevaboo
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 9:08pm

      I actually went trick or treating with my friend’s younger sisters when I was 14. She was forced by their mom; I went along because she and I were going to a party later. Neither she nor I were actually trick or treating. We didn’t have bags, we were just watching her little sisters, making sure they stayed safe. And if some freak had given me a condom, I would’ve laughed at them, since I didn’t have any use for them until *much* later in life.

      Essentially, since the age of consent for sex in Oregon is 18, these people are contributing to the delinquency of minors by encouraging them to have sex.

      Report Post » Bevaboo  
  • untameable-kate
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:38pm

    These people are perverts, why in Gods name are they thinking about other peoples children having sex? I would go kick thier *sses if they were handing condoms to my kid.

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • lbsm
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:42pm

      You are awesome!!!

      Report Post » lbsm  
    • Tripper
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pm

      I second you Kate. I think the story would be extended beyond them just handing them to the kids. I think it would include would ticked off dad “educating” them…

      Report Post » Tripper  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:36pm

    It’s harm reduction,” Harris says. “Kids are going to do these things anyway, so we want them to have to at least think about it ahead of time.”

    IF KIDS ARE RAISED WITH MORALS AND STANDARDS MOST OF THE WONT UNTIL AT LEAST OLDER. this is the progressive mind set and it is in all of our schools. this needs to be stopped. stay away from my kids

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • Seagal45
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:42pm

      Amen!!

      Report Post »  
    • mom2my2
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:01pm

      IF KIDS ARE RAISED WITH MORALS AND STANDARDS MOST OF THE WONT UNTIL AT LEAST OLDER.

      If only that were true. I raised my kids with morals and standards and am now raising a three year old granddaughter, because my daughter made her own choices. Thank goodness she didn’t choose abortion.

      However, I still agree that these people are loco and should not infringe on a parents rights to handle these issues with their children. No all children are as rebellious and hardheaded as my daughter!

      Report Post »  
    • mintyfresh
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 2:10am

      those people are “loco”? but no condoms were handed out in your household, obviously. unprotected or protected sex? you tell me which one is “loco.”

      mintyfresh  
  • SRH
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:36pm

    First question: Why is a 14 year-old Trick or Treating in the first place? And they people handing them out said they usually only give them to trick or treaters who say they are 16 or older? What? 16+ year olds still trick or treating? Does anyone else find this strange?

    Report Post »  
    • Danglinbags
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:43pm

      My first thought exactly.

      Report Post » Snowleotard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Spike2010
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:52pm

      We’ve had high schoolers and near adults come to our door for candy, so all I can find as a reason comes down to two words: “Free Treats”. Isn’t chocolates and cherry flavored water what people go door to door for?

      Report Post » Spike2010  
    • El Paco
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:47pm

      I went out as a 16 year old with a bunch of friends from my swim team ranging in ages 8 – 16. We basically wanted to hang out and decided to have some fun.

      But condoms??? Really?? I think they must have been too stonned to realize they WERN’T lolipops

      Report Post » El Paco  
    • Hmschlmom
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:56pm

      I had to tell my 12 year old, aspies son that he couldn’t go out this year. It was hard, BUT…I stand by that decision. He is 5′11, and wears a men’s 13 shoe. Nobody believes he is only 12, and I didn’t want him getting into confrontations. So, instead, he and his 14 year old sister took their younger cousins out. They had a wonderful time, and learned that, it doesn’t always have to be about THEM.

      I think anyone giving condoms to other people’s minor (under 18) children should be arrested. How dare they make that decision for another family! Corrupting the morals of a minor used to be illegal…

      Report Post » Hmschlmom  
    • MozarkDawg
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 12:40pm

      You and I on the same wavelength:

      >Kathleen Harris says she and her husband have been handing out condoms to high school-age trick-or-treaters for years …

      What self-respecting HIGH SCHOOL-AGE kid is still out trick-or-treating??!!

      Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:35pm

    OBVIOUSLY these sickos are democrat obama worshippers.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • A1955Rosie
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:13pm

      sounds like aclu people just waiting for a reply to once again tear at the moral fabric. Think about it. It sits in some kids wallet JUST WAITING TO BE GIVEN A TEST RIDE…THAT AGE? THEY CAN THINK OF NOTHING ELSE. exactly as planned!

      Report Post » A1955Rosie  
    • 123gone
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:17pm

      New to the area? Perhaps they should be tarred and feathered and sent on their way

      Report Post »  
    • blacksmith
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:37pm

      Why would these people feel the need to hand out condoms? Are’nt the schools handing them out or planned parenthood? These are some of the reasons we need to reach out to black and hispanic voters before 2012 to show that the Democrats do not support the same morals as many of them do.Many minority folks ,when asked the right questions, are truly consevative.

      Report Post »  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 7:36pm

      I know what kind of bag I’m gonna hand over to this sick couple .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • Spokavriel
    Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:34pm

    I think this is clever. And really it also goes with something I have been hearing a long time. As soon as they can say teen to your age should you still be Trick or Treating like everyone else? Also be aware what you are getting and check your kids bags before you let them have at it. That way Parents can find and deal with things like this before it comes to a question if they are participating in Trick or Treating with their children as they should.

    Report Post » Spokavriel  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:45pm

      Ya, I bet they get a lot of 16 year olds (or older) trick-or-treating. Whatever. They‘re liberals who think they’re entitled to intrude into the lives of others because “they” know better. Arrogant and disturbing.

      Report Post »  
    • RAISINGCONSERVATIVES
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 4:54pm

      I have a 15 year old son that is Autistic that still loves to go trick-or-treating. (he goes with his younger brothers but he would still go without them) If someone gave him condoms that looked like suckers (he would think that they were balloons) but I am afraid that I would have to make THEM (the giver) eat it. Keep your liberal crap out of my kids’ candy bag!

      Report Post »  
    • USAMama
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:12pm

      This is why my kids don’t go trick or treating. I will buy them whatever candy they want, but they don’t go trick or treating. Too many wack-o’s out there.

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • Suddenly101
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:29pm

      That’s disgusting. I’m 13 and if I found a condom in my trick-or-treat bag I’d be sick!

      Report Post »  
    • Dstarr55
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 5:46pm

      Spokavriel, you think this is clever? Really? I think a 13 and 14 year old is still a child and have every right to continue going out on Halloween – many, like myself, continued well into their teens taking young siblings out. To have any adult take it upon themselves to ‘teach’ your child is wrong – they have no idea of your value system and should not impose theirs on children that are not their own. I can assure you this condom couple would not appreciate if their child knocks on the door for treats and is given a bible.

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:20pm

      The same kind of trash that would put condoms in a kids treat bag are liable to put something worse in the chocolate.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:20pm

      first of all this has nothing to do with trickortreating…the couples standard practice is to give out condoms…what???…I am an Oregonian…and I am embarrassed by some of its residents…besides the fact I don’t celebrate holloween ….and those that do are taking the risk of having things like this put in their kid’s bags….this is just gross…you know we’re dealing with children????

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 6:46pm

      8yr old girl fondled by TSA workers because the mother opted out of the
      Naked Body scan for her and her children.
      http://www.infowars.com/tsa-fondles-women-and-children-refusing-airport-naked-body-scanners/

      tower7femacamp  
    • Robert W
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 7:04pm

      I would hope I could control myself if they put them in my kids bag but lets just say their lucky they dont live in my neck of the woods.

      Report Post »  
    • pajamash
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 7:31pm

      “It’s harm reduction,” Harris says. “Kids are going to do these things anyway, so we want them to have to at least think about it ahead of time.”

      NUDGE

      Report Post »  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on November 5, 2010 at 10:59pm

      Obviously these people should be charged, convicted and jailed for lewdness, then be required to register as sex offenders for life. And if a parent of one of these kids happened to go kick this man’s @$$, well, he had it coming. Dolts.

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 5:27am

      i can hear the far-left crying “uh i don’t see anything wrong with this”
      I would have a hard time not punching someone in the head if the did this to a kid in my neighborhood.

      what is the verse…”better to have a weightstone around your neck and be drowned in the sea…” well i would give them a few lumps to think about before they sank. Can’t stand people that mess with children.

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 5:50am

      Michael Jackson built a kiddies amusement park at his home to lure little kids to play with him. Of course he had a lot of money to throw around. Maybe some of those juvenile trick or treaters will come back for more condoms. There are all kinds of pedophiles out there and many libs defend them.

      Report Post »  
    • MadeInAmerica
      Posted on November 6, 2010 at 6:41pm

      Dstarr55, well said. I agree 100%. They’d probably attempt to get the aclu involved.

      Report Post »  
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