@Princessglittery This is v helpful. I know about gillick. I also know about MAP.
You have given me a lot to think about. But I suppose my issue is that I am not at all sure that the 30 yr being attracted to the 17 yr old (or 13 yr old if that’s the age of consent) is a different phenomenon than being attracted to a 7 yr old. That is, if the 40 yr is attracted to the 17 yr old because of their immature characteristics. It feels like it is on a scale. A similar phenomenon (attracted to a lack of maturity) but the 7yr old is further down that scale. It feels like the moral wrong is being attracted to youth. If that’s right then it isn’t only the harm to children that is morally wrong.
im just trying to work these ideas out for myself. I have seen arguments (MAP type) that try to say that there is nothing wrong w peadophilia except for harm to children. I’m trying to understand harms apart from the harm part.
I know the legal language. But it’s more trying to reflect on that language. Legal systems are rather imperfect when it comes to protecting children.