The Liceo Keplero in Rome, an upper school specialising in scientific subjects, incurred the wrath of the Vatican last week after installing six condom vending machines in the girls’ and boys’ toilets. The condoms will be on sale at a cost of three for two euros, which is considerably cheaper than pharmacy prices. Cardinal Agostino Vallini, Vicar General of Rome, has accused the School of “trivialising sexuality”.

However, the School’s Head, prof. Antonio Panaccione, says that the decision to install the machines was taken in consultation with a student association, the local Council, which backed the idea, and with the full support of the students’ parents. Left-wing Councillor Gianluca Peicola has said that he thinks the Head and staff are showing “great courage” .

Members of the Rome Association of doctors also disapprove of the initiative but Aids campaigners have welcomed it. In a recent survey 18% of students in Italy admitted to having regular sex without using condoms. Sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase in Italy.

Students at the school are encouraging others in Italy to follow their lead with the slogan,

“If you are going to make love, use your head.”

What do you think? “Trivialising sexuality” or showing “great courage”?

In the following video, a famous Italian tv spot promoting condoms: