A debate on sexual consent has been sparked by a sex education expert, who suggested that parents should ask their children for consent before changing their diapers.

Deanne Carson, affiliated with an organization that educates children on consent, spoke on Australia’s ABC news network about the Saxon Mullins case, a high-profile rape case that ignited a national conversation on consent laws. Carson proposed that parents introduce the concept of consent to children from a young age.

“We work with parents from birth…Just about how to set up a culture of consent in their homes. ‘I’m going to change your nappy now, is that OK?’ Of course a baby’s not going to respond ‘yes mum, that’s awesome I’d love to have my nappy changed’.

“But if you leave a space and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact then you’re letting that child know that their response matters,” she explained.

Carson, who identifies as a sexuality educator, speaker, and author on her Twitter profile, collaborates with Body Safety Australia. This organization aims to prevent child abuse and teaches children from kindergarten to high school about consent and boundary respect.

The organization’s website states, “In empowering children with their rights while educating families and professionals, the burden of responsibility is placed squarely on adults to protect children.”

The topic was later addressed on the Australian news channel Sky News, where Rowan Dean, editor of The Spectator Australia, referred to the suggestion as “lefty lunacy.”

In response to the interview, Carson defended herself against critics on Facebook.

“Sadly, some people have chosen to ridicule me (oh no! Pink hair! Must be a lesbian!) and the notion of giving infants bodily autonomy (poo in nappies har har amiright?!) [sic],” she expressed.

Carson cited statistics highlighting the prevalence of sexual abuse among children, asserting that the work of her organization adheres to international best practices in abuse prevention.

“It teaches children their rights AND their responsibilities and connects them with people who care and can help. It invites their parents into the discussion and is sensitive to cultural and family values,” she added.

Katie Russell, a spokesperson for the non-profit sexual violence organization Rape Crisis England and Wales, told Newsweek that Carson’s overall message had been misinterpreted. Russell clarified that Carson was not implying that changing a diaper is a sexual act or that a baby can communicate consent.

“She’s simply making the very reasonable case for establishing a ‘culture of consent’ in households and with children from the youngest possible age,” she said. “This is about both getting parents and carers into positive habits of not assuming consent from their children and about teaching children that they have a right to decide what happens to their bodies.”

Russell concluded, “When we know child sexual abuse is so widespread, it’s hard to understand why simple, respectful practices like this, aimed at reducing and preventing future harm to children, would be so ridiculed.”