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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."

__________________

The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.~ Betty Grable

If I wanted your opinion, I'd remove the duct tape and ask you for it.~ Me
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