Acknowledgement of patients’ sexuality requires a change in mentalities. Persons suffering from mental disorders are often considered to be “desexualised” and the question of their sexuality is therefore no longer addressed. The complexity of the issue lies in the fact that, on the one hand, the persons concerned are often in a state of difficulty in expressing their needs and desires and, on the other hand, living conditions within institutions in practice limit autonomy and individual liberties. Although, in theory, sexual relations are free as long as they are freely consented to and do not disturb public order, in practice this is not the case. Medical staff are still reluctant to admit the idea of allowing free licence to the emotional and sexual life of patients and the principle of prohibition of all practices with sexual connotations remains. This specious “rule” constitutes an obstacle to the autonomy of persons to lead the emotional life of their choice and leads them to practices which compromise their dignity, such as engaging in sexual relations hidden between the trees on the grounds, as reported to the inspectors by medical staff. At the time of one visit, the inspectors encountered one patient who complained of “not being able to pick anybody up” due to their physical appearance linked to their pathology. Another wrote to the CGLPL in order to demand their right to sexual fulfilment and complain about the prohibition – included in the internal rules and regulations – of having sexual relations due to their status as a person hospitalised without consent. Although it is indeed legitimate to protect patients whose capacity to consent is impaired from abuses to which they might be subjected, it is not acceptable to deprive patients hospitalised for long periods from all sex life, the latter being a part of human life. Moreover, in one institution visited, the inspectors noted that this question was taken into account, a shared room having been allocated to two patients who had announced their desire to live together. Actions for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and provision of information on contraception are very unevenly practiced in units, and depend upon the generalist doctor’s time of presence and involvement. Reflection on this topic is far from being general. However, the CGLPL noted that training for medical staff did include a concern for patients’ sexuality, as was the case in one institution in the West of France and, more recently, at the EPSAN conference in November 2013. 116 Medical staff describe themselves as being “torn” between two different ideas of protection and promotion of autonomy and are searching for the most appropriate position: “Let us engage in enlightened support striking the right balance between nothing at all, not enough and too much” 117. General and absolute prohibition of sexual relations is contrary to article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Learning about or engaging in sexual relations is a part of the autonomy and rehabilitation of hospitalised persons. The CGLPL considers that medical staff confronted with this question should focus upon the consent of the persons concerned and upon the means that might be at their disposal in order to manage their emotional and sexual lives. Generalist doctors and nurses should be involved in terms of provision of information to patients and risk prevention. 116 Public health institution of Alsace-Nord (Etablissement public de santé Alsace-Nord). 5th EPSAN medical work Conference, Catherine AGHT, sex education specialist, adult education trainer, BRUMATH, 21st and 22nd November 2013. 117 132