Deanne Carson, connected with a group that teaches children about consent, spoke on Australia’s ABC news channel regarding the Saxon Mullins case, a well-known ​rape case that started‍ a national dialogue on ​consent laws. Carson recommended that parents introduce the ‍idea of ⁣consent to kids from an early age.

“We work with parents from birth…Just about how to create 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 say ‘yes mum, that’s great I’d love my nappy changed’.

“But if you pause and wait for body language and make⁣ eye contact then you’re showing that child their‍ response matters,” she ⁣explained.

Carson identifies ⁤as an educator and speaker​ on ⁣her Twitter profile and works with Body Safety Australia. This⁢ organization aims to stop child abuse‍ and ​teaches kids from kindergarten through high​ school about respect for‌ boundaries.

The group’s⁢ website states, “By empowering children with their rights⁣ while educating families and professionals, the responsibility is placed firmly on adults to protect children.”

The topic was later discussed on​ Sky News in Australia where Rowan Dean, editor of The Spectator Australia, called the suggestion “lefty lunacy.”

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

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

Carson ​pointed out statistics showing how common abuse ⁤is among children ⁤stating her organization follows international best practices in preventing abuse.

“It teaches kids their ‌rights AND responsibilities while connecting them with caring people who can help. It invites parents into ⁣discussions and respects‍ cultural values,” she added.

Katie Russell from Rape Crisis ​England & Wales told Newsweek that many misunderstood‍ Carson’s message.⁣ Russell clarified that ‌Carson wasn’t saying changing diapers is an act or suggesting babies can give consent.

“She’s simply making a reasonable argument for creating a ‘culture of consent’ at home starting at young ages,” she said. “This is about getting parents into good habits by not assuming children’s⁢ agreement while teaching them they have rights over what ​happens to their bodies.”

Russell concluded by saying it’s hard to understand why simple respectful actions aimed at reducing future harm would be ridiculed when child abuse is so widespread.