PUBLIC OPINION > Hugging Is Definitely Not 'Gateway Sexual Activity'
SodaHead News
2012/05/02 16:00:00
Tennessee passed a unique and controvesial law recently that makes it possible for parents to take legal action against teachers who condone "gateway sexual activity." The problem is, no one is quite sure what "gateway sexual activity" is. That's how it's worded in the law, which means it's open to interpretation. Do they mean hugging? Holding hands? Kissing? Groping? What are we talking about, here? We took it to the obvious extreme and asked the public if hugging, cuddling, and holding hands -- the most basic forms of romantic physical contact -- could be considered "gateway sexual activity."
For the sake of laid back teachers, let's hope Tennessee courts agree with the public. Only one in four thinks hugging, holding hands, and cuddling could be considered gateways to sexual activity, whatever that means. Even some of those responses were sarcastic. The Top Opinion wrote, "Yes! Add to that walking, talking, touching, seeing, breathing, and being human. I believe they are all gateways to sexual activity." So what could be considered "gateway sex"? Some said kissing, others said naked wrestling. A couple people said marijuana. (They were a little confused.) Just not hugging, for crying out loud!
Men Think Hugs Mean More
All of the demographics were pretty much in agreement that hugging and cuddling is a safe distance from sex, but there were a few interesting differences. For instance, men were nearly twice as likely to say that kind of activity was a gateway to sex. That could offer some insight into the minds of men, or it could just represent the protective father demographic.
All of the demographics were pretty much in agreement that hugging and cuddling is a safe distance from sex, but there were a few interesting differences. For instance, men were nearly twice as likely to say that kind of activity was a gateway to sex. That could offer some insight into the minds of men, or it could just represent the protective father demographic.Teens Think It's Silly
The strongest correlation was, not surprisingly, age, and there was a sharp change of heart at about age 25. On average, voters 25 and up were 3.5 times as likely to think of hugging and cuddling as gateways to sex. That's even more than the difference between parents and non-parents, married and single, liberal and conservative, and atheist and Christian.
The strongest correlation was, not surprisingly, age, and there was a sharp change of heart at about age 25. On average, voters 25 and up were 3.5 times as likely to think of hugging and cuddling as gateways to sex. That's even more than the difference between parents and non-parents, married and single, liberal and conservative, and atheist and Christian.Conservatives More Than Christians
In the comments, a lot of opponents treated this like a religious issue. However, based on the demographics it was more political than religious. Conservative voters were 7% more likely than Christians to think of hugging as a gateway sexual activity, and liberals were 4% less likely than atheists. Though religion and politics do often go hand-in-hand, there's clearly more to it.
In the comments, a lot of opponents treated this like a religious issue. However, based on the demographics it was more political than religious. Conservative voters were 7% more likely than Christians to think of hugging as a gateway sexual activity, and liberals were 4% less likely than atheists. Though religion and politics do often go hand-in-hand, there's clearly more to it.If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about Tennessee's new law. We'd love to hear from you!
Top Opinion
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Beanybudd 2012/05/02 17:32:05
+14Outlawing affection... something humanity needs to show more of getting disallowed. Can someone please slap the old men making these rules. YOUR GRAND DAUGHTERS ARE NOT GOING TO GET PREGNANT FROM HUGGING! Who ever makes these dumbs things should go to a health class and get a good learning about sex education. It's there for a reason and it appear sthey need that education more than teens with this bullscheisse.
Therefore: All should be put blind at birth.
It's like we don't want people to grow up to be normal, healthy, socialized, comfortable human beings.
Or is this just more 'made up' stuff for the sake of creating controversy?
They either know right from wrong or they don't.....which is it?
If you don't start with the touching, you can't do too much of anything else. There is no guarantee that it will lead to sex, but without touching, it IS a quarantee, there will be no sex.
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They are not talking about everyone in life,,,,,,,,,,, only those in SCHOOL. Elementary kids are having oral sex in school now. You are all raving a TEENAGERS post on here. Beany is 19 years old, and I would bet, NOT A VIRGIN. Go hug your mom and dad, grandparents, OUTSIDE of school. This is about school behavior, not for the rest of the public. You are in school to learn about the Three 'r's, not to worry about hugging, or hand holding with someone. Apparently, there is already soooooooooo much sex going on in school, they have to do something! Beany's brain won't be developed totally till she/he reaches about 25 years of age. I would guess, some of you are in your twenty's?
And for your information, I haven't even kissed a boy. Generalizing is incredibly disgraceful and you will be reported if this behavior continues. Please treat your neighbors respectfully just as your Jesus would want you to :)
This tread is about teenage sex in school.
Stop talking about elementary kids having sex, it's really creepy and a minor problem. Didn't you play doctor as a kid? Whatever happened to 'you show me yours and I'll show you mine'. Everything is so sensationalized nowadays and sorry Judy but you are feeding that hysteria.
OMG, try having sex WITHOUT one of these! Must all be liberals? 'free love', Wood stock people?
My opinion has nothing to do with being conservative or religious. It is based on common sense. That thing that most people are lacking in 2012. Must be all that MJ smoking. lol