Australian Sex Party

Fiona Patten

Australian Sex Party was a political party in Australia that was founded in 2009 and merged into the Reason Party in 2017. The party was known for its liberal policies concerning sexuality, drug reform, civil liberties, and the separation of church and state. It aimed to address issues not adequately covered by the major political parties, focusing on the rights and freedoms of individuals in personal and private areas of life.

History

The Australian Sex Party was established by the Eros Association, an adult entertainment industry group, in response to increasing censorship and moralistic policies affecting sexual freedom and civil liberties. Fiona Patten, a civil liberties advocate and businesswoman, served as the party's leader throughout its existence.

Political Platform

The party's platform included a wide range of policies aimed at advancing personal freedoms and rights. Key issues included:

• The introduction of an R18+ rating for video games
• Legalization of marijuana and drug law reform
• Opposition to internet censorship and support for digital privacy
• Legalization of same-sex marriage
• Euthanasia and abortion rights
• Sex education in schools
• Taxation of religious institutions that engage in commercial enterprises

Election Performance

The Australian Sex Party participated in several federal and state elections. While it did not win any seats in the Australian House of Representatives, it gained attention for its progressive policies and managed to secure a seat in the Victorian Legislative Council in the 2014 state election, marking a significant achievement for the party.

Merger and Legacy

In 2017, the Australian Sex Party merged with the Reason Party, a new political entity that continued to advocate for many of the same policies. The merger was seen as a strategic move to broaden the party's appeal beyond issues of sexuality and censorship, encompassing a wider range of civil liberties and progressive policies.

Criticism and Controversy

The Australian Sex Party faced criticism from various conservative and religious groups for its stance on issues such as drug legalization and sex work. However, it also received support from those who viewed its policies as necessary for protecting and advancing personal freedoms in Australia.

See Also

• Reason Party
• Eros Association
• Civil liberties in Australia
• Drug policy of Australia
• Censorship in Australia