What do we mean when we say “Sexual Freedom as a Fundamental Human Right”?

July 25, 2010

Human rights are inalienable rights. Our human rights are ours by virtue of our humanity.

One of those human rights is our right to sexual freedom.

What does that phrase mean, “sexual freedom” and what does it mean when we affirm sexual freedom as a fundamental human right?

Sexual freedom is the fundamental human right of all individuals to develop and express their unique sexuality. This includes having personal autonomy with regard to bodily integrity, to sexual dignity, to privacy and to consensual sexual expression without societal or governmental interference, coercion or stigmatization.

When we affirm these rights, we are validating the existence of this right and expressing our dedication to sexual freedom as a fundamental human right.