Originally posted by VectraMan
I'd say there are 3 crimes, because each actually is a different thing:
1. older kid goes with younger kid. He's wrong, maybe even criminal, but let's keep it in proportion: he's not a dangerous evil man out after children, he's about the same age himself.
2. Man has sex with under-age girl who is physically mature. That's a crime. But, depending on the case, it might not be among the most heinous crimes a man can commit. He might be a misguided man who wants a relationship with a woman, just picks one that he shouldn't. It's against the law because she is not considered old enough to consent; but he wanted it to be consensual and non-criminal. He has failed in a very important duty of care, but he has not committed an attack on a minor.
3. Man has sex, if you can call it that, with a child. It's got to be a child, that's what he wants. Consent doesn't come into it, abuse of power is central. Now that is nasty, and one of the worst crimes a man can commit. Let's keep it separate and not confuse it with any grey areas.
I don't see the main point of this as advocating relations with minors, rather as keeping it clear that real paedophilia, in the form of attacks by force, is seriously evil.
PS just writing this has made me think, and I'm not sure I agree 100% with what I wrote

Did anyone else snigger at that?
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