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Thursday, December 15, 2005 12:00 AM

May-December romance, or child abuse?

The New York Times reconsiders the age of consent and the definition of sexual abuse.

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  • Thursday, December 15, 2005 09:45 AM

    Opening a Can of Worms

    The question seems to be "Should teenage boys and teenage girls be treated equally when it comes to the definition of sexual abuse?" And I have to give a resounding "Yes." The reason stautory rape laws exist is that there is a power differential between a teenager and an adult. While a teenage boy's ultimate fantasy might be to get with his teacher, he doesn't have the experience level to even know what form a relationship with her might take in real life or what the emotional and psychological implications of acting on the urges are. His adult teacher does, and she has a responsibility to protect her students from harm.

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