The governor of Utah apparently doesn’t like sex puns—at least when they’re not on condom wrappers.
Gov. Gary Herbert stopped state distribution of free condoms due to sexual innuendos on the packaging. The state’s HIV prevention campaign intended on giving away 100,000 condoms, according to KTSU.
“These now-cancelled innuendo-filled condom wrappers from the Utah Department of Health were… extremely good for something from the government,” @lagadoprojector tweeted.
https://twitter.com/lagadoprojector/status/1217950496956321794
The condoms varied in color and had short slogans on them like “SL,UT” or “toss the jello salad,” according to images shared on Twitter.
But Herbert deemed the packaging inappropriate, which prevented further distribution.
“The Governor understands the importance of the Utah Department of Health conducting a campaign to educate Utahns about HIV prevention,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “He does not, however, approve the use of sexual innuendo as part of a taxpayer-funded campaign.”
The Utah Department of Health issued an apology following the governor’s statement. The department said the “offensive packaging” never received proper approval.
“The Utah Department of Health apologizes for the offensive packaging included on condoms distributed as part of an HIV campaign,” @UtahDepOfHeath tweeted.
The Utah Department of Health apologizes for the offensive packaging included on condoms distributed as part of an HIV campaign. The designs did not go through necessary approval channels and we have asked our partners to stop distributing them immediately. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/jC9l4Fs0oh
— Utah Department of Health and Human Services (@UtahDHHS) January 16, 2020
The condoms were a part of the state’s effort to educate and prevent HIV. The “H is for Human” campaign will continue without the distribution of the condoms.
“Themed condoms from the Utah department of health to help fight HIV. These are great,” @AaronStartup tweeted.
Themed condoms from the Utah department of health to help fight HIV. These are great 😂 pic.twitter.com/dDBlrfRVgR
— Aaron S. (@AaronStartup) January 15, 2020
“Okay unsurprising that Utah canceled this but these condom designs are great? every state should have a campaign about being ~regionally horny~,” @AthertonKD added.
okay unsurprising that Utah canceled this but these condom designs are great? every state should have a campaign about being ~regionally horny~ https://t.co/KxpAIwugaz
— Kelsey D. Atherton (@AthertonKD) January 17, 2020
READ MORE:
- It isn’t required in 19 states to teach teens about condoms
- Amazon sends customers condoms and soap instead of Nintendo Switch
- Facebook ads are spreading misinformation about HIV
