The latest Eros Association polling on sex and politics has shown that over three quarters of people in NSW want a national sex education curriculum for primary and secondary schools, while just under three quarters of the population think the state’s ban on X rated videos is wrong. And over a third of the NSW population now thinks that religious groups have too much influence in politics.
The results come from a Newspoll survey conducted on 16-18th October, 2009 which was commissioned by the Eros Association and Sexpo, to assist the Australian Sex Party assess the electoral landscape, prior to the Bradfield by election.
Sex Party Convenor, Fiona Patten, said that the results were a wake up call to both the Liberal and Labor parties in NSW about the moribund morality that was inherent in many of their policies.” Both parties are afraid to set up a decent and informative sex education curriculum for NSW schools because they do not want to upset the church or party power brokers who are beholden to the church. Both parties continue to fine and jail adult shop owners for selling federally classified X rated films for the same reason”, she said. “Its no wonder that over a third of NSW voters feel that there is too much religious influence in politics. It’s like living in Iran or China.”
Ms Patten said that every NSW politician should visit this week’s Sexpo at the Horden Pavilion where an estimated 60,000 people will attend. She said she would organise free tickets and even a private tour for those members who felt they needed support. “Sexpo reflects the sex lives of the 72% of those who felt there was too much censorship and not enough sex education in the state”, she said. “Politicians have a responsibility to keep abreast of these issues in their electorates and to not be dictated to by a handful of religious ideologues in their party”.
Sexpo General Manager, Rob Godwin said that politicians from all parties were welcomed at Sexpo. “This year we have two political parties taking stands inside the event to raise their profile. I would strongly encourage other parties to visit the show and see how ordinary voters embrace the healthy, balanced adult lifestyle”.
The Survey Results
Religion and Politics
Over one third of people in NSW (34.2%) believe that religious groups have too much influence in politics.
52% thought the amount of influence was about right.
Of those who thought the balance was not right, 86% thought religion had too much influence while only 14% thought that it was not enough.
Sex Education
78.6% of people in NSW believe that it should be compulsory for all primary and high schools to offer a program of sex education based on a national sex education curriculum.
Those who had left school most recently (18-24year olds) were most in favour (95.3%).
People with children (86.5%) were more likely to be supportive than those without (74.2%).
X Rated Videos
72.1% of people in NSW supported the legal sale of X rated films from age- restricted adult shops. Only 20.5% thought they should continue to be banned.
People with children were more supportive of making X rated films legal (78.4%) than those without (68.5%)
People in the 25-49 years age group were the most supportive (84.1%). |
