Post # 1
Member
10635 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Here, it is 16. There are rules about closeness of age though. 12 and 13 year olds can consent to someone up to 2 years older than them. 14 and 15 it’s a 5 year spread. The age of consent is raised to 18 if the other person is in a position of authority over you (ie. teacher, coach) etc. There’s also some weird rule about anal sex but I’m unsure of the current status.
I remember when there were problems changing the age, it used to be 14.
Post # 3
Member
9129 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
- Wedding: November 2013 - St. Augustine Beach, FL
16 but if both are in school together (i.e. two middle schoolers or two high schoolers) then the older child should not be charged with rape unless there is actual evidence of force.
Post # 4
Member
6414 posts
Bee Keeper
I think somewhere between 13 and 15; with that in mind, I think that the whole ‘closeness in age’ thing makes sense; for example, I don’t see an issue with a 13 and 15 year old having sex with each other, but if we’re talking a 13 year old and 18 year old, I think it could be more of an issue due to differences in maturity, and would be concerned about the balance of power in the relationship. As far as being in a position of authority goes, I think 18 is about right, legally speaking, but would hope that employers would fire anyone caught having sex with someone they have authority over, regardless of age (eg a university lecturer having sex with a 25 year old student, or a doctor with an adult patient, etc), as I would be worried about abuse of power, but don’t think it should be legal.
I think the age of consent for anal sex should be the same as that for vaginal or oral sex.
Personally, I had sex at 14, and was fine, and also very mature in my approach, researching STDs, contraception, etc, and knowing what I’d do (abort, which is free and legal in the UK) if I got pregnant. I think that anyone having sex should be able to approach it responsibily, and honestly, there are several people I know who in their mid 20s frankly shouldn’t be having sex as they’re too immature to take responsibility.
Post # 5
Member
1123 posts
Bumble bee
I’m amazed so many people think it’s OK for someone to consent to sex at 13 years old.
But I wont debate.
Post # 6
Member
4520 posts
Honey bee
I am not in favor of criminal charges when the people are 15 and 18, but I still think the age should be 16. I would personally prefer that people wait until they are legal adults, but I’m also realistic.
Post # 7
Member
4520 posts
Honey bee
@kris325: right? At 13 I was still playing with barbies, not boys! And if my 13 year old had so with an adult, I would call the police, no matter if it was consensual or not.
Post # 8
Member
10635 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
I thought the move to 16 was a good one.
Post # 9
Member
1123 posts
Bumble bee
@Laurenplusalex: Agreed. Just because the body has matured does not mean the mind has. Those poor girls just don’t understand the consequences of their actions at 13, heck I didn’t understand until I was close to 20 that every choice I made had a consequence.
Post # 10
Member
849 posts
Busy bee
13?? Way too young! I’d say the age of consent would be 16, minimum. But I still think it’s a good idea to keep it at 18, legally.
Post # 11
Member
4520 posts
Honey bee
@kris325: the mind has most definitely not matured. Studies have shown that young teens far underestimate possible consequences of their potentially harmful actions.
On a personal note, at 14, I liked an older guy and he liked me back. I am so glad now that it went nowhere because I would have felt so pressured to have sex with him. I felt so lucky that he even gave me the time of day. Now, if I were dating again, and a man pressured me into sex, it would be over. I’m much more confident and sure of my decisions.
Post # 12
Member
2552 posts
Sugar bee
@kris325: why do you say so many people? so far I only see one vote for 13
Post # 13
Member
10635 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
@barbie86: I agree on most points, with exceptions to the authority. It’s such a broad thing. A hired tutor is in a position of authority, as is a ski instructor. I think in those cases there’s nothing wrong with 2 adults having sex with each other. 14 or 15 is also too young, as that means they can consent to any age. As is, a 14 year old with a 19 year old is legal. I can’t picture sex between someone who’s 21 and someone who’s 14 being completely consentual.
Post # 15
Member
1041 posts
Bumble bee
16, within a certain age range. 18 to consent to someone of any age.
Post # 16
Member
849 posts
Busy bee
@AB Bride: Yes, as far as I know, you have to be 18 here in the US to legally consent to sex with an adult. Not sure what the rules are about underaged teenagers having sex with each other though.