What role does legislation play in shaping people’s sexual behavior?
In modern societies, legislation concerning sexual behavior serves to safeguard individuals from harassment, violence, and exploitation (e.g., sexual violence, sexual harassment, pedophilia), as well as to prevent societal breakdown (e.g., incest, public sexual activity).
Throughout history, political regimes have sought to regulate sexual behaviors, deeming certain behaviors undesirable or immoral.
For instance, in Greece, adultery was considered a punishable offense until 1982, often accompanied by public shaming. Additionally, while homosexuality was decriminalized in 1951, “indecency against nature” (between males) remains punishable under article 347 of the Penal Code.
What are the human rights related to sexuality?
The World Health Organization has outlined human rights pertaining to sexuality, including:
- The right to the highest attainable standard of sexual health and access to sexual health services.
- The right to seek and receive information on sexual health matters.
- The right to sexual education.
- The right to choose partners, sexual activities, or abstinence.
- The right to a safe and fulfilling sexual life.
States can uphold these rights by establishing sexual health services offering prevention and treatment for sexual issues, implementing information and education programs on youth sexuality, promoting scientific research, training sexual health specialists, and fostering awareness campaigns recognizing everyone’s entitlement to sexual health.
Despite the World Health Organization recognizing sexual problems as health issues, they’re often treated by states as matters of lifestyle.