Main Issues in Film Classification - Sex

Sex

The portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to ‘making love’, to detail of real sex.  This is reflected in the classification system, in which progressively stronger portrayals are allowed as the categories rise.

Sex works (works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation) are likely to be passed only in the adult categories.

Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’.  Sex works containing:

• clear images of real sex
• strong fetish material, 
• sexually explicit animated images
• other very strong sexual images

will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. ‘R18’ video works may be supplied only in licensed sex shops which no one under 18 may enter.

‘R18’ films may be shown only in specially licensed cinemas.

These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation.