Age of consent should be lowered to 13!!

[Dervel]

metro.co.uk/2013/05/09/age-of-consent-should-be-lowered-to-13-in-light-of-stuart-hall-prosecution-top-barrister-says-3747054/

I'm a little bit stunned by that article. If I am honest I think it bears mentioning that I am concerned by people being crucified in the media before we have actual facts established, and convictions secured. However one very very good thing I feel has come out of all this Yewtree stuff is hopefully actual victims will feel they will be taken seriously and that as a society we will not tolerate abuse.

I'm not sure quite what this Barrister is thinking, as this whole article is just stunningly surreal to read. I'm also not sure I get this most of all:

"... ?touching a 17-year-old?s breast, kissing a 13-year-old, or putting one?s hand up a 16-year-old?s skirt? were not comparable to gang rapes or murders."

I'm not sure the crimes of actual bodily harm, or hate speech is directly comparable to gang rapes or murders, but I'm not sure I want to see either of them condoned by members of the legal profession either!

[CoalDustWoman]

Good

But sentencing guidelines are vastly different - Sexual Activity with a child, Great MN thread about both parties being underage,Rape of a child under 13, Rape

I just think it's important to know and discuss the law when speaking about sexual crimes, particularly against those under 16. Because when consensual sex with someone under 16 is referred to as rape, it brings out the "you can't lump that it with violent stranger rape, it's so unfair" types, which muddies the discussion of the realities and practicalities.

[Sparklymommy]

theonewiththehair your welcome! This is a subject which I feel very strongly about.