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Feminism: chat

Feminism: sex and gender

Original poster

Is the age of consent an issue?

11 replies

DoItAgainPlz · 01/10/2023 15:55

In the wake of the Russell Brand allegations there's been some online discourse surrounding the age of consent, and whether it should be increased or adapted in some way to prevent large age gaps.

I am, of course, aware that young people can be exploited, and I'm not denying the thought of a 30-something year old Brand with a 16 year old is disgusting.

But I've never before considered the age of consent as being too low, or a matter that's particularly pressing for change. I don't like the idea of the state presiding in judgement over how much of an age gap is acceptable.

I recognise it's a compromise, but I'm surprised with myself for being quite so opposed to this being meddled with.

Is this a particularly unfeminist stance to have?

OP posts:
nettie434 · 04/10/2023 08:19

I think we have got much more aware of the power gap when a 16/17 year old has sex with someone much older. However, we can't pretend that there are also pressures on young women when the age gap is much closer. On one of the Russell Brand threads a woman working in the media at the time posted about how she was mocked when she tried to confront some of the male stars about their behaviour.

Maybe what's needed is more advice and resources that will help women make decisions rather than changes to the law.

VikingVolva · 04/10/2023 08:25

I don't see why it would be unfeminist, unless you were trying to say that there should be different ages for men and women.

I doubt there will be any change to the actual age of consent. But if there were, I would not oppose to extending the "Romeo and Juliet" provision (currently of not prosecuting consenting - possibly enthusiastically consenting - teens between 13-15, provided older partner is no older than 18)

Branleuse · 04/10/2023 08:27

I don't think it's too low. I would be more in favour of a staggered AOC. Don't they have something like that in the Netherlands?

LadyDanburysHat · 04/10/2023 08:27

I was reading something on Reddit the other week, where someone commented that in some states the age of consent is 16, but it is only for people of the same age. Essentially you will be prosecuted if you are over 18 and making moves on an under 18. This seems quite sensible to me. Which surprises me for America.

BishyBarnyBee · 04/10/2023 08:28

VikingVolva · 04/10/2023 08:25

I don't see why it would be unfeminist, unless you were trying to say that there should be different ages for men and women.

I doubt there will be any change to the actual age of consent. But if there were, I would not oppose to extending the "Romeo and Juliet" provision (currently of not prosecuting consenting - possibly enthusiastically consenting - teens between 13-15, provided older partner is no older than 18)

I think some kind of graded age range makes sense. An18 year old with a 13 year old would be very wrong though.

CurlewKate · 04/10/2023 08:38

In an ideal world I would like there to be an age gap clause.

But in an ideal world, I would also like men to take responsibility for their own and other men's behaviour, and stop turning a blind eye.

deydododatdodontdeydo · 04/10/2023 10:02

In Spain they have a staggered age gap too.
I don't think it makes sense to criminalise e.g., 16-18yos who have relationships with 15yos. This is a normal gap, they are in the same peer groups, and it's very very common (or was when I was at school, most 15yo girls who had boyfriends were >16yo).
I don't think anyone who suggests lowering the age of consent is going to get far though.

NeedTheSeaside · 04/10/2023 10:15

As an adult I think under 18's are all too young!!

As a teenager, I didn't.

when I was 15, I was very keen to have sex with my boyfriend, he was older (20) & wouldn't have actual sex (we messed around) until I was 16. He was the one who insisted on waiting until it was legal and then until he was certain I was ready & took it all gently & slowly. I was the one who didn't want to wait!

on the other hand the similar age boys at school just wanted to have sex!

is 'peer age' legality really helpful??

AFieldGuideToTrees · 06/10/2023 00:18

I'm absolutely for a staggered age of consent on reading this. It may show men that it isn't acceptable to be shagging teenagers when you're in your 30s and 40s, and that they will be prosecuted for it.

This may also stop any male celebrity in their 50s from using NDAs to prevent above consent teenage girls speaking out about their experiences.

Sky News Poll on attitudes to age gaps in sexual relationships

Russell Brand: Men more likely than women to think sex between 16-year-old and older partner is okay

It comes in the wake of concerns raised following claims Russell Brand was in a relationship with a 16-year-old schoolgirl when he was a 30-year-old BBC radio presenter. 

https://news.sky.com/story/russell-brand-men-more-likely-than-women-to-think-sex-between-16-year-old-and-older-partner-is-okay-12968108

Comefromaway · 06/10/2023 00:35

I’ve thought it for a while. One of my son’s friends was , aged 17, propositioned by the mother of a mutual friend & I think the age gap & vulnerability is horrible.

I don’t think that it should be legal for anyone under the age of 18 to have sex with anyone over the age of 21.

OceanicBoundlessness · 06/10/2023 09:19

I think a staggered age gap for under 18s would make sense.

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