2003-09-18 1000 Doctors warn SA Government on sexual offences act Doctors for Life International (DFL) has expressed its concern before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee about some of the proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Act. The amendments propose that the age of homosexual consent be lowered from 19 to 16, making it equal to heterosexual activity. It further makes provision for sexual experimentation for children aged between 12 and 16. It seems that this proposed legislation does not take into account the deadly implications of irresponsible sexual activity in South Africa, considering including the AIDS and STI pandemics. DFL presented both verbal and written submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Justice and Constitutional Development in Cape Town, explaining the cognitive abilities of children, and the seriousness of homosexual activity in detail. DFL (represented by Dr Mannie and Mr. Botes) urged the Committee not to lower the age of consent to homosexual activity, and suggested that all sexual activity be limited to adults who have the cognitive ability to understand the nature and consequences of their actions. It is imperative that legislature takes the relevant scientific data into consideration when drafting and amending this legislation. Psychological research has shown that children do not have the cognitive ability to make decisions regarding sexual activity, as they cannot anticipate the consequences of their actions. Adolescents make decisions based on immediate experiences and the want for instant gratification, with the mentality of, "if it feels good, do it". Medical and psychological evidence also reveals the harmful nature of homosexual activity. Anal sex involves various health hazards that normal sex does not, even in the case of adults. Thus, the decision for a child to get involved in homosexual activities has greater health implications, in contrast to heterosexual activities. For example, suicide and disease are rampant in the homosexual community, and a homosexual hardly reaches the age of 45. The choice for homosexual activity should be an informed decision and be seen in the context of the inability of children to make cognitive decisions. The statement (by one of the committee members) that "as morals decline, laws should adjust" should be considered. The implications of such a statement are astronomical. Laws are not meant to accommodate society, but rather protect and lay the boundaries for the benefit of mankind. DFL recommend that the age of consent to any sexual activity should be 18, and that all the scientific facts about any sexual lifestyle should be given to allow for an informed an informed decision DFL is an organisation of approximately 1000 medical doctors, specialists and professors of medicine from South Africa and around the world. |
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