Discuss the reasons behind the implementation of sex laws in a society.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Most societies regulate sexual behavior, both by custom and by law, some of which seems legitimate. An argument says that the rational reasons behind these could be protection "against force and equivalent means of coercion to secure sexual gratification," "protection of immature against sexual exploitation," and "the prevention of conduct that gives offense or is likely to give offense to innocent bystanders." The other purposes for which sex laws have been designed are in order to preserve the family as the principal unit of the social order by protecting its integrity from adultery or desertion of a spouse; ensuring that children have a supportive family by prohibiting conduct such as fornication, and; the protection of society's morals. Another principal source of sex laws is the protection of society's morals. The concern for public morality results in laws against nonprocreative sex, for reasons outlined in the chapter "Ethics, Religion, and Sexuality." Thus there have been laws against homosexual acts, bestiality, and contraception. Religious beliefs as to what is "unnatural," "immoral," or "sinful" have found expression in law, as it was often held that the state had a duty to uphold religion as a pillar of civilized society, using the law to make people good.