NGOs criticize withdrawal of book “Sex described for children” from sale

The Government misused power when it ordered withdrawing the book “Sex described for children” from sale about six year after it was launched. The statement was made in a news conference by members of the National NGO Council of Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. Sergiu Ostaf, the head of the Resource Center for Human Rights (CreDO), believes that by such a decision the Government not only misused power, but also limited the right to the freedom of expression. “This book includes scientific information that proves the importance of developing the child in a balanced way. The Government’s decision to withdraw this book is a classical example of unjustified interference by the central public authorities in the freedom of expression,” said Sergiu Ostaf. The National NGO Council is ready to help the publishing house where the book was printed in a possible trial, the CreDO director added. The head of the Resource Center “Young and Free” Antonita Fonari, the secretary general of the National Youth Council, said that before taking such a decision, Prime Minister Vlad Filat should have consulted the national participation council that consists of over 30 persons representing the NGO sector to see if this book contains immoral things or not. “It is not clear what principles the Government used when it took the decision as this book was approved by the council for morality. I’m sure that Vlad Filat did not read this book,” Antonita Fonari said. According to the National NGO Council, the book “Sex described for children” is one of the few that help the parents to correctly educate the children in matters of sexual relationships. Daniela Terzi Barbarosie, the head of the Partnership for Development Center and acting president of the National NGO Council, said that there are few books on sexual education in Moldova. But the children must be taught moral values when they put the first questions, i.e. at an early age. The book “Sex described for children” is sold in 20 countries. It is written in a language that is accessible both to parents and children. The Premier announced the withdrawal of the book from sale after Tuesday’s meeting of the Government. Vlad Filat argued that they received complaints about the content of the book.