Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children From Sex

[cali]

In light of the discussions spawned by the Polanski arrest, I strongly recommend this important book by Judith Levine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmful_to_Minors
And no, I'm not condoning Mr. Polanski's crime.

[hedgehog]

1. Apparently, Ms. Levine thinks that the Dylan v Heather case involving a

21 year old man and a 13 year old girl shouldn't have been considered criminal because the two were at the same emotional maturity; he being delayed an she being advanced.

Does this then also justify the many emotionally delayed priests who seduced young men?


When is it seduction, and when is it grooming?

[cali]

2. I suggest you read the book. I'm not saying I agree with everything

in it, but it's really thought provoking. I posted this in light of so many here thinking that 18 should be the legal age of consent.

[RoyGBiv]

3. I would like to second this ...

This is an excellent book.

[Jkid]

4. It's a classic book.

It merely confirms the reason that American puritanism must be abolished.

[cali]

5. well, I'm not sure it's a classic yet- after all it's only 5 years old or so

but it is an important onel.

[Odin2005]

6. There is a difference between 2 13yo kids having sex and a 13yo and an adult.

That said, IMO the way age-of-consent laws are worded do suck. When I turned 18 my GF at the time was still 15 for a few more weeks, the age of consent in Minnesota is 16, IIRC.