An unashamedly erotic ‘Sexpo’ opening in Auckland this weekend is likely to increase the already appalling level of sexual abuse in this country. The first of its kind in New Zealand, the R18 ‘Sexpo’ is attempting to change the sex ‘industry’ image from sleazy to mainstream, according to a spokesperson on Morning Report. Every conceivable variety of erotic magazines, books and sex toys will be available for the voyeuristic public and sexual services will be promoted – a veritable Sexual Trade Fair. There is a huge sex industry out there, apparently, and both male and female workers are falling over themselves to offer their services.

But are these the sort of services the community want – male and female prostitution dressed up as part of mainstream New Zealand culture? At a time when sexual abuse of women and children is rife and teenage sexual activity is worrying health workers, do we need a degenerate, uninhibited, ‘anything goes’ erotic exhibition that blatantly promotes Sex, Sex and more Sex?

The last few weeks have seen one after another sex scandals hit the headlines, with the latest shocking reports of a toddler being sexually abused and beaten to death. Toddlers have the right to grow up in a normal family environment, not one poisoned by pornography and so-called ‘adult’ activities. Uninhibited sexual activity damages the family unit, the acknowledged basis of a stable society. In families where a husband and wife are committed to each other in lawful matrimony and love each other and their offspring, children can grow up in a wholesome, secure environment with positive male and female role models. The lack of strong role models is one of the reasons why so many teenagers are insecure, seeking ‘love’ in the wrong places and prone to suicidal impulses when sexual experimenting turns sour.

Over-emphasis on sex in the media, the arts and most aspects of society today, sends the wrong messages to impressionable young people. It also whets the appetites of unbalanced individuals who prey on vulnerable children. Sex within a committed marriage binds husband and wife together, strengthening the family unit, but unrestricted sex destroys families. Adultery leads to divorce, with children the innocent victims. Promiscuity leads to sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer and infertility, and fuels abortion statistics.

The noble Roman Empire declined and fell when it sank into sexual depravity and debauchery. Is there not more to life than sex? The Christian Heritage Party believes such erotic exhibitions as ‘Sexpo’ have no place in a nation that values its children and seeks the best for its citizens. The family unit is too important to be downgraded and debased by what is rightly termed sleaze.

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