Australians Need Teaching About Sex—m.p. (Press, 28 June 1985)
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Summary: Australians Need Teaching About Sex—m.p. (Press, 28 June 1985)
In a controversial commentary, Lance Milne, the 69-year-old Leader of the Australian Democrats in South Australia, has suggested that the poor performance of Australian men in romantic and sexual relationships may contribute to a rise in lesbianism. In a letter featured in the latest edition of the state teachers' journal, Milne expressed strong views on the differences between making love and mere sexual intercourse. He argued that many men have not grasped the essential emotional engagement involved in loving relationships, which he claims should take significantly longer than a fleeting encounter. Milne's remarks come amidst ongoing public discussions regarding the Institute of Teachers' proposed policy to educate students about homosexuality in schools. He lamented that sex education currently misses teaching what he considers "normal" behaviour, leading to a knowledge gap that may impact both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. He noted that many teachers and parents shy away from discussing the intricacies of sexual relationships, resulting in misconceptions and lack of understanding among young people. He described the issue as stemming from men's thoughtlessness in their approach to intimacy, stating that many are "dirty", "tactless", and exhibit a lack of consideration in intimate situations. Milne suggested that the attentiveness often found in relationships between women could potentially entice women away from heterosexual relationships, leading to an increase in lesbianism. While he acknowledged this trend, he emphatically stated that he did not condone it, highlighting that if all women were to pursue same-sex relationships, it would jeopardise human procreation. The commentary also included broader observations about human sexuality, arguing that humans are unique in their year-round pursuit of sexual encounters largely for pleasure, rather than solely for reproduction. Milne aimed to underline the necessity of understanding sexual behaviour and highlighted the importance of teaching both young men and women to cultivate thoughtfulness and cleanliness in their sexual relationships, countering the idea of quick, impersonal encounters. His statements have sparked debate about the responsibilities of educators in discussing sexuality, the role of societal norms in shaping sexual behaviour, and the wider implications of how we approach sexual education for future generations.
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