Normal Sex Life Urged For Prisoners (Press, 3 February 1977)

On 3 February 1977, Professor L. Carmichael, a visiting academic from the University of Miami Medical School, delivered a compelling message in Christchurch regarding the importance of allowing individuals in institutions, including prisons and care facilities, to engage in normal sexual activity. Professor Carmichael, who holds a chair in family medicine, argued that denying people a healthy sexual outlet could lead to significant psychological issues and societal hypocrisy surrounding sexual matters. During his visit, he was invited to conduct a series of seminars on human sexuality in major New Zealand cities, including Wellington, Dunedin, and Auckland, under the auspices of the Federation of Post-graduate Medicine. Professor Carmichael emphasised that everyone has the right to participate in responsible sexual activity, defined as consensual sex between adults. He suggested that the legal age of consent could be harmonised with the age at which individuals are deemed responsible enough to drive, underscoring the importance of responsible behaviour in both contexts. In particular, he highlighted the plight of individuals in prisons, asserting that while they should lose their freedom as a form of punishment, they should not be deprived of legitimate sexual expression. This deprivation can lead to severe behavioural issues, including increased incidence of violence and extremely concerning phenomena such as homosexual rape within the prison system in the United States. Moreover, Professor Carmichael pointed out that the physically disabled individuals living in institutions also require provisions for a normal sex life. He considered it vital for caregivers and those involved in the rehabilitation of disabled people to recognise their right to sexual expression. He insisted that sexual rehabilitation should be a critical component of the overall rehabilitation process, as health encompasses sexual competence. When individuals are stripped of this right, it interferes with their overall health and well-being, potentially leading to problems like depression and aggression. Through his statements, Professor Carmichael underscored the essential role that healthy sexual relationships play in personal dignity and mental health, advocating for societal changes to ensure that these rights are recognised and upheld for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

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