Society and the law aren’t ready for it, but the disabled have a need for change
During a colloquium, held this week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, handicapped French expressed the need for a change in attitudes and legislation regarding their sexual needs. Associations for disabled people want “sexual aid workers” who can kiss, stroke and massage them. Similar services have existed in Holland since 1982, and are also available in Germany and Switzerland.
One spokesperson said “Some people see the disabled as sub-humans, unable to love, be loved, and seduce. The French love to talk about sex, but nobody talks about sexuality.”
French law doesn’t help the disabled either. “A woman who provides sexual assistance for money is automatically treated like a prostitute“, said one lawyer.
A leading sexuologist wants legislators to allow for paid trained professionals. A registered German “sexual companion”, who has provided erotic massages to the physically and mentally handicapped for ten years, insists she never considered herself a prostitute. According to her, society must accept that there are people who want to exercise this profession. “They have to do it because disabled people who are not proud of their body anymore, need it.“
