Customs Seizes Safe Sex Book (Press, 2 October 1989)
This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.
Summary: Customs Seizes Safe Sex Book (Press, 2 October 1989)
On 2 October 1989, it was reported that the New Zealand Customs Department had seized 99 copies of a book deemed indecent, titled "Modem Girl’s Guide to Safe Sex," authored by Australian cartoonist Kaz Cooke. The seizure occurred on 21 September, and the publishers, McPhee Gribble, were informed via facsimile about this decision in the following week. The book had successfully sold around 10,000 copies across Australia and New Zealand since its release a year prior, and the recent shipment was intended to replenish declining stock levels in New Zealand. Cooke expressed her disbelief over the Customs Department's decision, labelling it absurd and suggesting that it was counterproductive by denying essential sexual health information to New Zealand women. She stated that the book contained sensible advice developed in consultation with medical professionals and illustrated through the adventures of a character named Hermoine. Cooke emphasised that the information within the book could potentially prevent serious health issues, including infertility and cervical cancer. In her remarks, Cooke pointed out that health organisations in Australia, including the New South Wales and Victorian Health Departments, had sought her contributions for their public awareness campaigns against unprotected sex. This further reflected the book's credibility and importance in promoting safe sex practices. The publisher, Hilary McPhee, voiced her strong disapproval of the seizure, noting that they had been instructed by customs to cease selling the book in New Zealand. McPhee indicated that McPhee Gribble intended to formally appeal the decision and was committed to raising the matter with New Zealand authorities. Additionally, McPhee highlighted the book's international recognition and mentioned plans to publish it in the United States later in the year.
Important Information
The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact
The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand