GOVERNMENT Senator Noel Sloley has slapped an Opposition colleague’s proposal to restrict adults to having two children, arguing that the State has no business dictating people’s bedroom activities.

However, Sloley said that the statements by Opposition Senator Ruel Reid has returned the issue of planned parenthood to the realm of public discussion.

Reid drew criticism after stating in his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Upper House, several weeks ago, that he was not averse to a policy restriction of two children per adult. The Jamaica College principal argued then that the fact that almost 50 per cent of children are dependent on Government benefits was testament that persons were having children they cannot afford to support financially.

But Sloley, in closing the State of the Nation Debate last Friday, said the Government would not be venturing into those waters.

“Senator Reid, you paid quite a price for saying you were going to be controversial. And controversial you were by bringing the State into the activities of the bedroom. While Government has a role to educate, we all can agree that, in this instance, to mandate or to compel is not what we are about,” Sloley said.

Still, Sloley admitted that the issue fuelling Reid’s proposal was valid.

“The problem you spoke about is real, as teens who should be in school are becoming mothers, and many of our less fortunate are having multiple births, Sloley noted. On a positive note, you have reminded us of the catchphrase: ‘Two is better than too many’ and have returned planned parenthood to the realm of public discussion”.

Sloley lauded Reid for what he said was mostly a quite measured and meaningful, pointing to his bipartisan note as he spoke of removing politics from transformation programmes to education, transportation, health and crime.