Activity Quote by Madalyn Murray O'Hair
“If anybody wants to engage in any kind of sexual activity with any consenting partner, that is their business. I don't feel that I can sit in judgment on them, or that society can sit in judgment on them. Anybody can do anything they damn well please, as long as the relationship isn't exploitive. And I don't feel that legality should have anything to do with it.”
About This Quote
Source Public speech: Secular Humanist Conference, 1990
Consensual adult sexual activity is a private matter; judgment and legality should not intrude unless exploitation occurs.
In simple terms: Adult consensual sex is private; judgment and law should stay out unless exploitative.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal autonomy and prevent exploitation.
Themes
freedom
sexual ethics
privacy
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- Legal reform
- sex education
- support groups
- public policy debate
Key Concepts
Consent
autonomy
legal boundaries
exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines exploitative relationships?
- How can laws protect consent without moral policing?
A Different Perspective
Cultural norms may still impose moral judgments.
