US chastity roadshow rings bell with note with teens

DESPITE spiralling teenage pregnancy rates and growing rates of sexually transmitted infections, young Irish people appear more eager than ever to remain celibate until marriage.

A US roadshow promoting chastity among young people across the world has been a huge hit here, with as many as 70% of young people who attended sessions in Dublin and Belfast embracing the challenge.

As Silver Ring Thing campaigners flew back to the States recently, they left 461 youngsters, including 172 from the North and 94 from the greater Dublin area, proudly wearing silver rings. They have made a pledge to remain sexually pure until marriage.