Has Badminton Become A Code For Sex In Hong Kong?

Hong Kong's Education Bureau has given an entirely new meaning to the sport of badminton. It said that students who want to have sex must go out and play badminton. The idea of replacing sex with badminton has received mixed reactions. While some have made it a subject of joke, others have criticised it as meaningless. And yet other groups have supported it to protect the society. Module titled Adolescents and Intimate Relationships for Secondary Year 3, a teaching material released last week, compared sex with badminton.

There is also a section in the module called “My Commitment” which makes young lovers commit that they would maintain “self-control, self-discipline and resistance to pornography.”

Sex education

As per a report by BBC, the module aims at sex education and keeps students of younger age from having sexual relationships with older students. The education authorities are firm in their stand and defended it amidst the criticism. 

It also aimed at restricting young students from dating and engaging in sexual activities. It made sure that students must overcome sexual fantasies and impulses. 

Lawmakers criticised the module based on practicality

Local lawmaker Doreen Kong said that the bureau didn't understand the young generation. Doreen specifically pointed out the badminton comparison and said, “How could they borrow a badminton racket on the spot if it happens?”

Impact on players

Thomas Tang, an amateur badminton player said that the comparison has made players like him embarrassed. The idea of jokes being made around the sport and the sudden increase of interest in it was not positive according to him. 

He said, "In the past, this was just a healthy sport, but now if you ask people to play badminton they make a lot of jokes”

He also added that badminton was a good way for boys to meet girls. 

Education board supporting module

Some have also suggested that the module advises how to “dress appropriately to present a healthy image and to avoid visual stimulation from sexy clothing" and "firmly refuse sex before marriage” if students are unable to cope with the consequences of premarital sex. 

Education Secretary Christine Choi has stood by the module despite criticism. She said that the module wants to protect teenagers and that having sex with underage people is illegal. 

She has gained support from the city's leader, John Lee, who said that the government plays a “leading role in determining the kind of society it aims to build". Lee agreed that there might be differences of opinion among people regarding education policies.

Upset parents 

However, even parents Of the students are not happy with the new module. A father of 10-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl said, "The Hong Kong government is always out of touch. They are making a fool of themselves.”

"My wife and I will probably do that [sex education] ourselves. That's not something I would count on schools and the government to do,” he added. 

Online reaction

The sex and badminton comparison has launched a laughter festival on the internet. 

One of the users said, "FWB [Friends with benefits]?? Friends with badminton.”

Another social media user pointed out, “In English: Netflix and chill? In Cantonese, play badminton together?" 

Even Olympic badminton player Tse Ying Suet made a joke and said, “Everyone is making an appointment to play badminton. Is everyone really into badminton?”