The Netherlands is known for its social subsidies on everything from education to housing, but it's also subsidizing sex for the disabled. With prostitution legalized in the country, the government is boosting both the domestic sex economy and the intimate endeavors of its disabled citizens.
Put simply, sex is increasingly characterized as a right everyone should be able to enjoy. While there is no direct "sex grant" per se, the benefits citizens with disabilities receive can be spent however they like. Some reports indicate that they can use these benefits to access sex services 12 times a year, but information on the specifics is elusive. One year-old named Chris Fulton, who has cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, has even launched a campaign calling on the Dutch government to introduce a more concrete grant scheme.
But why sex? Besides the obvious pleasure, intercourse is a form of mental and physical therapy. In psychology , many experts cite its ability to fulfill needs for intimacy, validation, stress relief or stronger self-esteem.
In health circles, it's a known antidote to stress and even pain management. Citing this research and personal testimonies, social workers, caretakers and affected individuals are calling for increased access to sex services for citizens with disabilities. However, the right to sexuality does not make for easy conversation, whether at the dinner table or in public policy arenas. Controversy engulfs the issue, and many citizens object to using tax dollars to support such a risque business.
But advocates, including academics, social workers and doctors, respond that it's not about supporting the sex business, but is rather promoting a right and addressing health issues.
