Sex life hailed as a right for those with learning problems

Published on Sunday 3 August 2008 21:33

A NEW campaign highlighting the rights of people with learning disabilities to sex and relationships was launched yesterday.

The It's My Right! campaign follows research showing people with learning disabilities are often denied the information and education to help them pursue relationships.

The FPA (formerly the Family Planning Association), which launched the campaign, produced a user-friendly interactive CD-ROM called All About Us on the issue to coincide with a series of posters.

Julie Bentley, chief executive of FPA, said: "Living independently means more than getting qualifications and securing a job.

"Expressing your sexuality and enjoying a relationship is something everyone values.

"But poor sex education and fears about exploitation can stand in the way of this happening for people with learning disabilities.

"Information and skills must be available to people with learning disabilities so they can enjoy intimate relationships without putting themselves at risk.

"FPA would like to see more recognition of the importance of sex and relationships in their lives."

One of the models for the posters, Joseph Greene, 23, from Islington in north London, said: "I want to meet a girl I can become friends with, take to the pub and the cinema and then after a couple of months see where it goes. But it's difficult out there."

Dame Jo Williams, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said: "People with a learning disability should have the same rights as anybody else to express their emotions and sexuality.

"Having the opportunity to develop personal relationships is an important part of a full life.

"People with a learning disability should not be denied this because of prejudice or lack of accessible information.

"However, appropriate support must be in place, so that people with a learning disability can make informed decisions about sex, and those who don't have the capacity to consent to sexual activity must be protected."