Extreme personal choice is a hallmark of New Zealand parliaments' form of humanism.

However, it is not always reconcilable with effects that benefit others, and not entirely compatible with ‘love your neighbour as yourself', a foundational teaching of Christianity (and the basis of New Zealand's legislative heritage).

Consider sexual relationships of parents. Parents having sex with lots of people will affect family stability and emotional security of children. Yet it is a fundamental right of parliamentary legislation that 'free” sex is a personal choice. While Christianity may say this is true, Christianity would also say its effects are not isolated, this choice affects the care of children, arguments between spouses, educational achievement, and youth drug addiction etc.

But some extreme forms of humanism try to disconnect these effects. The mantra ‘if they are willing, you can have sex with them' seems to be the philosophy promoted in school education, something not entirely compatible with treating your children as you would want to have been treated when you were a child. Or for your partner to be there for you when you need them (and vice versa).

Andrew Clow, Tauranga.