Sexuality, Disability, and the Law approaches issues of sexual autonomy and disability from multiple perspectives, including constitutional law, international human rights, therapeutic jurisprudence, history, cognitive psychology, dignity studies, and theories and findings on gender constructs and societal norms. Perlin and Lynch determine that if our society continues to assert that persons with mental disabilities possess a primitive morality, we allow ourselves to censor their feelings and their actions. By denying their ability and desires to show love and affection, we justify this disparate treatment. Our reliance on stereotypes has warped our attitudes and our policies, and has allowed us to avoid important issues of humanity and of dignity that should be at the basis of any policies that affect this population.

Autorentext
Michael L. Perlin is Professor Emeritus of Law at New York Law School, USA; Founding Director, International Mental Disability Law Reform Project, and Co-Founder, Mental Disability Law and Policy Associates

Alison J. Lynch is Staff Attorney at Disability Rights New York.

Zusammenfassung

In this book, Perlin and Lynch approach issues of sexual autonomy and disability from multiple perspectives, including constitutional law, international human rights, therapeutic jurisprudence, history, cognitive psychology, dignity studies, and theories and findings on gender constructs and societal norms.

Inhalt

1. Introduction
2. The Four Factors: Sanism, Pretextuality, Heuristics and 'Ordinary Common Sense'
3. Perspectives from the Law
4. Social Policy Issues
5. Gender, Society, and Sexuality
6. Therapeutic Jurisprudence