Gov. Gary Herbert ordered the Utah Department of Health to rework an HIV awareness campaign that featured several Utah-themed condoms featuring suggestive state-themed packaging.
“The Governor understands the importance of the Utah Department of Health conducting a campaign to educate Utahns about HIV prevention. He does not, however, approve the use of sexual innuendo as part of a taxpayer-funded campaign, and our office has asked the department to rework the campaign’s branding,” said a statement issued by Gov. Herbert’s office on Wednesday evening.
The condoms included slogans that were meant to be double entendres, including “Enjoy your mountin’.” “Uintah sex?” and “Toss the jello salad.”
The Utah Department of Health issued a statement apologizing for the controversy.
“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. We regret the lewd nature of the branding,” said the department through an email.
“We remain committed to running a campaign to help in the prevention of HIV and intend to do so in a manner that better respects taxpayer dollars, and our role as a government agency,” they said.
