Sexology congress in Paris

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33580, 8 July 1974, Page 6

Sexology congress in Paris

(By PAUL MAJENDIES, N.Z.PA.-Reuter correspondent) PARIS, July 7. Doctors, psychologists and social workers from more than 50 countries struggled yesterday to solve man’s sexual problems at a meeting billed as the first ever International Congress on-Sexology.

The four-day' congress, covering every aspect of sex I from frigidity to sexuality in the elderly, is sponsored by the French Health Ministry and includes the World ; Health Organisation among its participants. The delegates split their i iiscussions into four main ■ topics, medical research, malfunctions, sexuality and sex education. Dr Jack Lippes, from New : York State University at | Buffalo, told the congress: ; “In almost all societies, sex has been wrapped up in reli- ; gious dogma which in turn j has placed women in an inferior role. Now, it would appear, things are changing. “Increasingly scholars have been analysing this new freedom and the change | in our thinking regarding ■ human sexuality. Therefore 'this is a propitious time for h a congress on medical sexology. ” Doctor Rosalie Taylor, i from a London marriage j guidance clinic, complained that the Women’s Liberation movement could seriously

harm female sexual relations. “The political slant may reinforce some women in their angry demanding feeling, asserting that what they experience must be as good as the male partner’s. On no account is it to be allowed that he, plight get more from her body for his own pleasure than she is able to get from his,” she said. Professor Shinichi Asayama, from Osaka University in -apan commented: “Sex education in Japan is now at the stage of enlightening parents, teachers and the general public with respect to human sexuality in order to overcome their ignorance, prejudices and lack of interest.’’ Officers elected. — Officers elected at the recent annual meeting of the Christchurch School of Nursing Association included the following: President, Mrs M. Sunley; secretary, Mrs H. Mather and treasurer, Mrs R. Quickendon.