Major parties should ensure the Australian Sex Party is placed last on how-to-vote cards in upcoming State and Federal elections, according to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL). "Labor and Liberal should not be gaining political advantage from a party which exists to represent the interests of those who make money from the exploitation and degradation of women," ACL Managing Director Jim Wallace said today.

"Pornography and prostitution do enormous damage to women and children and the idea of mainstream political parties giving this trade seats in our nation's parliaments through preference deals, would offend the sensibilities of most Australians who believe women should be respected. "Pauline Hanson was rightly put last on how-to-vote cards because of her inappropriate views on race. How much more should the Australian Sex Party be treated in the same way for its inappropriate views about women?"

Mr Wallace said one of the Sex Party's key policies was opposing Labor's internet filtering plans which are designed to thwart paedophilia on the internet and to protect children from illegal and hard-core material.

"A party which gives solace to the purveyors of internet porn is not one worthy of consideration for preference deals in the mainstream political process," Mr Wallace said.

"The Sex Party has stated it will be targeting seats in State Upper Houses and the Senate where preference deals are crucial to the success of minor parties.

"For the Sex Party to claim it fears a 'new wowserism' in a day and age where our society is saturated by sexual imagery is ridiculous. "Most parents are concerned about the amount of sexual material their children are exposed to through television and outdoor advertising.

The last thing we need in Parliament is a Sex Party pushing for governments to put more sex in ours' and our children's faces.

"The Australian Sex Party should be put last by every party, but certainly by Labor, the Coalition and the Greens, and ACL hopes each will quickly confirm their intention to do so," Mr Wallace said.

Media Contact: Glynis Quinlan on 0408 875 979 

Australian Christian Lobby
Canberra, Australia

Tel: (02) 6259 0431

Fax: (02) 6259 0462

Mob: 0448 602 878

www.acl.org.au