At the recent National Conference of Sexologists, members recommended an amendment to the Indian Penal Code on the grounds that pornography should be classified as both an educational as well as a therapeutic tool.
The sexologists made clear, however, that they are not calling for mass-distribution of pornography in the country, but instead seek a strictly regulated set of medical guidelines, much like California’s attempts to legalize the use of marijuana.
“It is a double-edged sword,” said Dr. Venkata Raman, secretary of the Council for Sex Education and Parenthood. “People can either use it on medical grounds or misuse it.”
Raman was one of 270 sexologists from around the globe who demanded the Indian Parliament change its existing restrictions on the practice of sexology.
“Today, a lot of people bring home work or stress,” argued sexologist Dr Swayam Prakash, another supporter of the resolution. “When the workload piles up, sex takes a backseat.”
Prakash said many of his patients complain that they only have sex once every 2-3 months because of their heavy workload. To combat the dry period he sometimes recommends that his patients read Penthouse Letters to increase their sex drive, which is sold legally in India because it does not contain pornographic pictures.
“There are three stages of the sexual response cycle — desire, arousal and orgasm,” said Prakash. “Sex requires time, but most Gen X couples fall under the double income-no time syndrome.”
The sexologists at the conference warned the Indian Parliament that the ever-increasing workloads of its citizens could cause serious sexual deprivation throughout the country if the issue was not addressed.
“Or, rather, undressed,” joked one member.
