Sex matters

Becky Dwyer (Letters, 11 May) makes two basic mistakes in her argument claiming that legal regulation of sexual activity is wrong.

Firstly, she describes anyone objecting to a sexual activity as "sex negative". This is simplistic in the extreme. As a Christian, I value sex as an aspect of God's creation. However, like so many other naturally enjoyable, healthy and positive things, it can be misused and become harmful if taken outside its intended context.

Sex is for pleasure, procreation and cementing permanent relationships.

Secondly, Ms Dwyers seems to think that consensual sex "harms no-one". Casual sex undermines a person's capacity to form stable relationships. Serial short-term sexual relationships tend to lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Extra-marital sex destroys marriages and damages children as a result.

Sexual activities that focus on other elements instead of the other person lead to disfigured cravings rather than healthy relationships. By its very nature, sex is intimate and private, bringing two people close together in a unique bond.

A desire for public sex reveals a distorted sexuality that craves attention instead of affection. Splashing sexual images around corrodes the mystique and respect that should surround sex.

Family breakdown costs the UK an estimated 37 billion every year, 1,200 for every taxpayer, so we all have an interest in a culture of stable relationships. A crucial factor in such a culture is the view that sex is unique, valuable and vital in the right context – marriage – but the further one moves from that ideal, the more damaging and ultimately unfulfilling sexual activity becomes.

RICHARD LUCAS

Cowan Road

Edinburgh