Hong Kong’s chief executive and education minister on Sunday defended the government’s sex education program in schools, which urges students to abstain from premarital sex and curb their sex drive by playing badminton. They stressed that this is an effective way to “protect the younger ones.”
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Education Minister Christine Choi Yuk-lin joined the controversy after the civics, economics and society teaching materials for first- to third-grade students were criticized as “realistic” and “not realistic.”
Suggestions included abstaining from premarital sex if the young couple could not cope with the consequences of pregnancy, setting limits on intimacy early in a relationship, and developing “self-discipline, self-control, and a defense against pornography.”
An example of the avoidance and distraction approach to sexual desire was “Go to a gym to play badminton,” in which a boy showed a physiological response when left alone with his girlfriend.
The remark sparked ridicule online, with netizens saying that an invitation to play badminton should be the Hong Kong version of “Netflix and chill,” a euphemism for sexual activity.
In a television interview, Choi said the purpose of sex education is to teach children “to love themselves, respect others and be responsible for themselves.”
“Our approach is not conservative – we want to protect young people and give them the right values to face adult life and the complexity of society… and it is illegal to have sex with minors,” she added.
Sex with a girl under 16 can be punished with a prison sentence of five years.
If the girl is under 13 years old, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Choi said the curriculum for students ages 12 to 14 was designed taking into account rapid societal changes and the vast amounts of information young people can access online.
Lee supported Choi and said the government should help shape society through education.
“Although opinions on values education may vary widely, the government plays a leading role in determining the kind of society it wants to build through education,” Lee added.
“The education we provide should be consistent with our visions and bring us closer to the kind of society, living environment and social culture we want to build… this is a continuous and collaborative effort.”
Sex education experts had previously said the advice promoted a culture of victim blaming, as a sample response in the material suggested young couples should “dress appropriately to present a healthy image and avoid visual stimulation through sexy clothing.”
The government document also neglects to discuss important issues, such as supporting young people in identifying their own will and expressing their consent.
