Sex toys are over-regulated legally and under-regulated for safety. Bans on “obscene devices” are a violation of the right to private sexual conduct. They enforce the stigma against sex, which in turn leads to nonchalant regulation of devices intended for internal use. – Kierstyn Smith
Incase you didn’t know, in Zimbabwe, Section 47(1)b of the Customs and Excise Act “prohibits the importation of any goods which are indecent, obscene, or objectionable or any goods which might tend to deprave the morals of the inhabitants, or any class of the inhabitants of Zimbabwe,” . This is the same clause that was used recently against a woman in Harare who was selling sex toys and the female lecturer in Gwanda who had imported sex toys for her personal use.
So what’s the big deal about sex toys? I mean that’s my question too. Harmless devices used by millions of women (and men too) around the world in the privacy of their homes – why are they banned and remain illegal in some parts of the world? Just by looking at the above clause, there is no way that the use of sex toys infringes on public morality, or any way it will influence someone to act immorally in the public domain.
What adults do in the privacy of their bedrooms is their own business right? And because sex toys are not used in the public domain, how then would their private use have an effect on society? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about other moral issues affecting our Zimbabwean society? – the increase of rape of 8/9year olds, 9 year olds giving birth, rape of a 9 year old being called child marriage, fathers sodomising their sons, ritual killings- i mean, when we talk about a deprave of morals, let’s look at these many moral ills in our society that have left women and girls vulnerable and failing to ever feel safe in their own communities – these are the moral ills that must be addressed to protect our society and prevent moral decay.
On the other hand, it is essential to remember, sex toys are not just dildos. According to Dr Rosmond Adams, sex toys have medical benefits. For example, men who use them are less likely to be burdened with erectile dysfunction, difficulty orgasming and low sex drive. They are also more likely to be aware of their sexual health, making them more likely to notice any abnormalities and seek medical advice. Male products can help men overcome erectile dysfunction, following prostate surgery or treatment, diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury and neurological conditions, by promoting the blood flow into the erectile tissues and stimulating the nerves to help the man have an erection without them having to take Viagra.
Some women cannot orgasm through penetration alone, no matter how turned on they are. Stimulating the clitoris can be the key to satisfying climaxes and sex toys can make that easier. Vibrators can be really useful for vulval pain conditions, such as vulvodynia, where penetration can be tricky to achieve.
So just maybe, it is time to review the law and the ever-changing moral landscape. The question is “is the moral police ready for this conversation?” And on the other hand, will the patriarchy allow for a space where the rule of men in bringing the pleasure is null and void? This is Africa says “the sale of sex toys is illegal in many countries where they’re being sold, although some governments don’t even bother putting the trade on the books, seemingly relying on social shame – which is fading fast – as a means of regulation. Nonetheless, even where selling them remains illegal, sex toys still manage to creep across the border. Basically, what seems to be happening is that the governments are anti-sex toys, but the people aren’t. “
On a separate note: Before you pack your sex toys, here are places that they’re not allowed: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Maldives, Alabama (USA).
Did you know? In some countries, you cannot carry your birth control either – but that’s a blog for another day 🤭
Munhukadzi 