Why is it illegal to be happy?

[Darkstar]

...So you want to know why it is illeagal to not involve Children in sex acts? Seriously?

Because at 12 or whatever age you want to push the 'age of consent' back to, a Child does not understand the totality of the desision he/she is being forced to make. Therfore if a Child can not protect him/herself then soceity has an obligation to do that for them by telling people who want to have sex with kids that they will be put in prision far removed from children.

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Just an observation:

but, Wow. 20 people looked at this thread, and no one could be bothered to say anything against this? It this what it means to be atheist? To remain silent when someone openly wants to have sex with little kids?

....

hock:
I just thought it was so obvious I didn't need to say it. I'm not sure why someone would be interested in sex prior to puberty, biologically, I mean. Sure, the age of consent could be lowered to sixteen (I'm pretty sure it's 18 in America)(we all know some of them are doing it regardless), but 12? Personally, I think the teacher would be creeped out if a 12 year old asked for sex. I admit that the religious laws regarding sex can be a bit strict, but what you propose is too much...

So, Drich, which of these two do you think is better able to consent to a sexual relationship?

1) A 21 year old woman who is mentally retarded and, psychologically, is about the same as a ten year old.

or

2) A 16 or 17 year old who use a fake ID to get into a bar, gets drunk, sleeps with a guy and blackmails him with statutory rape charges if he doesn't buy them lots of expensive gifts.

I think you can't give legal consent if imparied, I'm not sure if a mental disability falls into that category (it might).

Interestingly, the "age of consent" in my country is 15. The age for watching erotic entertainment is 18.

Okay, that doesn't make any sense.