Judge bans autistic woman from having sex

Arab Herald (IANS) Sunday 5th February, 2012

An autistic woman was banned from having sexual intercourse on the ground that she lacks the mental capacity to consent to the act, the Daily Mail reported.

Justice Hedley said he passed the order to protect the best interests of the 29-year-old.

He said she had to be protected from "potentially exploitative and damaging" relations in the future, as she had already been involved in risky behaviour with people.

The order prevents the woman from having sex and also means anyone trying to have sex with her can be charged with sexual assault or rape.

Justice Hedley said: "It is strange, but nevertheless true, that even the freedom to make unwise decisions is one that the court is required to guard and only to restrict if and when the best interests of (the woman) so require."

The case was heard at the controversial Court of Protection, which was set up in 2007 to decide on medical treatment for individuals judged by psychiatrists to lack mental capacity, the Mail said.