Page 278 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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Today I would like to highlight the importance of harm minimisation in health policy, especially sexual health. Today, being Valentine’s Day, is the most important day of the year to be discussing the importance of harm minimisation for sexual health. It is also one of the most pleasurable days to be speaking about sexual health, as it is National Condom Day, a day when it is encouraged that everyone should be able to buy condoms as freely as they would buy a rose.
This year’s theme is “consent is hot”. SHFPACT have done up special condom packs for that. Madam Assistant Speaker, I seek leave to table a document.
Leave granted.
MS CODY: Thank you. I present the following object:
National Condom Day 2019—Box.
Whilst I have previously avoided discussing what I think is sexy in this chamber, today is the day that changes.
Members interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Members, please! Members, a little bit of quiet so Ms Cody can finish.
MS CODY: Consent is sexy. Safe sex is sexy. Condoms and dams, used correctly, are sexy. Being comfortable and open about sexuality is sexy. What is not sexy is prudishness. What is not sexy is the use of fear of the unknown in an attempt to prevent people expressing their sexuality and therefore exposing them to risk. A “just say no” approach to sexual education often leads to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. What is not sexy is harassment, coercion or rape.
In the past year this chamber has faced some complex debates about the law of consent. I would not want to disrespect the important contributions of Ms Le Couteur or anyone else, but this afternoon I will focus on consent between the sheets rather than in the courtroom.
This morning I was reviewing some excellent material from Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT which identified five points as part of their national condom campaign. Point 1 says that consent should always be explicit. That means asking to bonk somebody, not just rubbing your hand up their spine, expecting it. Point 2 says that you can always change your mind. That means that if you want it out, it is out. Point 3 says that it is good to check in with each other. It is not just condoms and skills that make sex better; it is cooperation. Good sex is a team sport. Point 4 says that it is okay to slow things down or stop. It does not matter how excited your bed buddy is, you have the right to slow things down, take a break or stop. Point 5 says that drink and drugs affect consent. If people are drunk or wasted on drugs, they are not able to consent. They also might be a bit of a bum shag. Consent is hot, and safe sex keeps it that way.
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