Wednesday, 1 June 2005

Turner: 'Hubba Hubba' campaign just more of what doesn't work

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner today renewed her attack on the "infantile and degrading" Hubba Hubba condom campaign, amid new evidence current sex education programmes are not working for New Zealand teenagers.

"We're now just short of $2 million of taxpayer money spent on this dumbed-down, one-dimensional message - compare it to the Scottish equivalent, Respect and Responsibility," Mrs Turner said after tackling Health Minister Annette King in Parliament.

"Spot the difference? For a start, the Scots treat their young people as intelligent, able to make mature decisions and capable of having sex in a relational context," Mrs Turner said.

"When are we going to treat our young people with some respect?" Mrs Turner asked, citing the Otago University study released yesterday showing that only 44 percent of sexually active teens use condoms.

"The 'hubba hubba' approach is just more of the same. Perhaps when we approach our young people with respect they will listen."

She said the Scottish campaign depicts sexual well being as firmly embedded in values and relationships, respect for self and the feelings and values of others.

"And our Government says 'No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba' - how embarrassingly shallow!

"If we're going to spend decent money on sex education campaigns, then let's do it properly and treat young New Zealanders as people worthy of respect," she said.

ENDS

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