Permissiveness (Press, 19 September 1985)

In a letter published on 19 September 1985, Vernon Wilkinson critiques the arguments presented by W. R. Sykes and Tina Troup regarding societal permissiveness. He asserts that their viewpoints, which previously gained traction in the 1960s and 1970s, are now being revisited amid growing concerns over the consequences of this permissiveness. Wilkinson highlights issues such as the prevalence of solo mothers raising disadvantaged children, the spread of venereal diseases linked to promiscuity, and the rise in broken homes. He expresses concern that these results underscore a societal need to re-establish boundaries and reject further movements towards permissiveness. Wilkinson raises provocative questions about the implications of decriminalising sodomy, suggesting that it could lead to calls for the legalisation of other acts considered taboo, such as bestiality and incest among consenting adults. He argues that some may view legal restrictions as an infringement on personal rights, yet he warns of the moral decline that could ensue. He further mentions modern dilemmas like surrogacy, cloning, and hybridisation, framing these developments as potential threats to the human condition. In closing, Wilkinson clarifies that his stance does not advocate for forcing individuals into family structures but reflects his belief in the need for societal boundaries to ensure moral integrity.

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