‘Safe Sex’ (Press, 12 October 1989)
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Summary: ‘Safe Sex’ (Press, 12 October 1989)
In letters published in early October 1989, two individuals, Mark D. Sadler and Helen Holmes, expressed their concerns regarding moral standards and sexual education in New Zealand. Sadler responded to P. B. Wye's claims about declining morals and the influence of unchanging Christian principles. He questioned the historical accuracy of the Ten Commandments, pointing out similarities between Moses and Zoroaster’s narratives and suggesting that these stories might be fabrications. Sadler emphasised that while Zoroastrians uphold the commandment against killing, Moses commanded violence against enemies, highlighting a contradiction in the moral teachings attributed to him. Furthermore, he critiqued the religious fundamentalists’ opposition to population control measures, asserting that such resistance contributes to ecological disasters. In another letter, Helen Holmes recounted her experiences from the early 1960s, where she, alongside other women, engaged students, parents, and teachers in discussions about healthy development towards adulthood, particularly regarding responsible parenthood. Despite their efforts to provide explicit information on pregnancy prevention, they were wary of legal repercussions at the time. Holmes posed concerns about the continuing restrictive legal environment that hampers educators from effectively sharing information about contraception and preventing sexually transmitted diseases. She urged legislators to take responsibility and encourage the availability of educational resources, such as Kaz Cook’s "Safe Sex," to ensure that young people receive accurate and necessary sexual education. Both letters reflect a growing desire for progress in moral discourse and education within New Zealand society amidst ongoing changes in cultural attitudes.
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