il Était une fois

There is an exhibit that opens today at the Canada Science and Technology Museum here in Ottawa. I have not yet been to see it, but from everything I’ve read, it is designed to teach young teenagers about sex.

Not just the basic egg + sperm = baby lesson that we’re fed in grade 8 sex ed. That’s part of it, but it also gets into concepts like arousal and that *gasp* sex is something enjoyable! Woah!

It’s presented at the science center and was developed with a lot of input from teachers, nurses, doctors, sexologists and is basically a well-informed alternative to ‘the talk’.

It already ran in Montreal and Regina and didn’t ruffle that many feathers. Then it hit Ottawa.

The exhibit only opens today and ALREADY there has been huge backlash against it. They had to raise the age for unaccompanied admission from 12 to 16, even though the 12 through 15 group is exactly who it’s aimed at.

And now our wonderful Minister for Heritage, James Moore is calling it “insulting to taxpayers” and asking the public to complain to museum management.

So once again our Conservative government has proven its close-mindedness. “No! How dare we teach children about sex! That kind of knowledge is dangerous and will create a generation of sinners!”

Does this remind anyone else of the hysteria that surrounded the release of the film Young People Fucking?

I wonder if the people complaining have even seen the exhibit. Seems unlikely.

/end rant

Read the full article from the Ottawa Citizen here

Ps. If anyone feels compelled to make a little complaint, here’s Mr. Moore’s email. It’s highly doubtful that he’ll read it, but can’t hurt to try. James.Moore@parl.gc.ca