Supermodel asks "who's a virgin?"

[almaty 19]

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Supermodel Gisele Bundchen stepped into the debate over birth control and sexual behavior in Brazil on Tuesday, saying Church opposition to condom use was ridiculous and women should have the right to choose on abortion.

Gisele is idolized by many young women in Brazil, the world's largest Roman Catholic country, where debate over sexual issues has intensified around a visit by Pope Benedict last month.

The Pope stressed the Church's firm opposition to abortion and contraception and railed against sex outside of marriage.

The Brazilian beauty, one of the world's top models, told Folha de S.Paulo newspaper in an interview that when the Church made its laws centuries ago, women were expected to be virgins.

"Today no one is a virgin when they get married ... show me someone who's a virgin!" she said.

Asked about abortion, she said a woman should have the right to choose what is best for her.

"If she thinks she doesn't have the money or the emotional condition to raise a child, why should she give birth?"

Gisele, who had just arrived from New York to take part in Rio de Janeiro's Fashion Week, also defended condom use.

"It's ridiculous to ban contraceptives -- you only have to think of the diseases that are transmitted without them. I think it should be compulsory to use a contraceptive."

The Brazilian government has clashed with the church over anti- AIDS programs in which it distributes millions of free condoms and Health Minister Jose Temporao has called for a national referendum on abortion.

Other Brazilian celebrities have fallen foul of the Vatican over sex issues. Singer Daniela Mercury was banned from performing at a Vatican Christmas concert in 2005 because she took part in a campaign promoting condom use to prevent AIDS.

She denied rumors she was pregnant.

"Of course I want to have a family in the future. But not at this moment."

[Robor007 0]

I like her thinking.

[almaty 19]

same here...i thought, her choice of terminology for debate was questionable

[Nessa 23]

That was not very smart of her to expose herself like that. Sometimes it's better to keep some beliefs for yourself if you're a public person - like abortion, contraceptives, sex before marriage. That kind of exposure can never be good, no matter if you're pro or con.

[Reynaldo 0]

Brazil needs people who step up and say things like that.

[Alex+R 0]

That was not very smart of her to expose herself like that. Sometimes it's better to keep some beliefs for yourself if you're a public person - like abortion, contraceptives, sex before marriage. That kind of exposure can never be good, no matter if you're pro or con.

Maybe she wasn't thinking about herself. Maybe she was thinking about other women?

And they say there's no such thing as bad publicity. Anyway, I think if you have the power to make your voice heard (as a celebrity does) and you don't, then you're a coward or else too self-absorbed to want to make a difference with the power you've been given.

[Reynaldo 0]

She has been infected with American liberal ideas...

Poor woman...

[Alex+R 0]

She has been infected with American liberal ideas...

Poor woman...

She should have used a condom...

[Reynaldo 0]

Damn liberals...

[Nessa 23]

That was not very smart of her to expose herself like that. Sometimes it's better to keep some beliefs for yourself if you're a public person - like abortion, contraceptives, sex before marriage. That kind of exposure can never be good, no matter if you're pro or con.

Maybe she wasn't thinking about herself. Maybe she was thinking about other women?

And they say there's no such thing as bad publicity. Anyway, I think if you have the power to make your voice heard (as a celebrity does) and you don't, then you're a coward or else too self-absorbed to want to make a difference with the power you've been given.

well she's a supermodel, what power to make a difference does she have? It's not like she needs brains on her profession. I wouldn't be influenced by any famous person, especially a model, particularly Gisele Bundchen, for me she's an annoying ####### who thinks too much of herself.

[Reynaldo 0]

well she's a supermodel, what power to make a difference does she have?

You just answered your question.

It's not like she needs brains on her profession.

So, all models are and have to be stupid?

I wouldn't be influenced by any famous person, especially a model, particularly Gisele Bundchen, for me she's an annoying ####### who thinks too much of herself.

If you really were you'd be unique, because everyone is influenced by the media (and the fashion industry whatsoever) even if you are only influenced in a subconscious level.

[Nessa 23]

I'm not saying that all models are stupid, nor that people aren't influenced by the media.

[Alex+R 0]

She is at least giving little girls a role model of a woman who says "yes, use condoms and no, you don't have to have a baby when you're 14."

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The whole abstinence thing the Catholic Church keeps bleating on about sounds good in theory, but in reality its one of the reasons that HIV/AIDS has spread so fast in parts of Africa. In that respect its pretty evil, IMO.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

She has been infected with American liberal ideas...

Poor woman...

Next she'll be burning her bra.