Latest Breaking News

Evergreen Emerald

(13,069 posts)

140. How would you write a law protecting children?

Sat May 25, 2013, 10:06 AM

May 2013

Last edited Sat May 25, 2013, 06:23 PM - Edit history (1)

Is there an age difference you would agree with?

It is not about sex. It is about power and control. Adults are much more able to manipulate children. And children are susceptible to manipulation. This 14 year old may truly love that adult. It may be flattering. It may be exciting. She is just starting to become a sexual human being and at a vulnerable time. She needs protection.

Or should we just allow adults to form relations with children? Where is the line for you?

edit: dang...that was a horrible misspelling.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

213 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

EXCLUSIVE: Parents of underage victim in Kate Hunt's case defend actions [View all] shawn703 May 2013 OP

"in the case that has gripped the nation' alcibiades_mystery May 2013 #1

Assuming they are just not lieing through their teeth Drale May 2013 #2

Parents want to protect their minor child, who is 14 years old. LisaL May 2013 #8

18 is an adult according to the government Drale May 2013 #10

Being in high school at 18 doesn't make someone not a legal adult. LisaL May 2013 #11

You can not help who you fall in love with Drale May 2013 #15

A 17 and 18 year old would be legal. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #18

"One of a range of possible outcomes." Drale May 2013 #20

Again, a range of possible outcomes. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #22

If you were the parent of the 14 year old shawn703 May 2013 #26

Isn't parenting about keeping a child safe? Not assuring he or she loves you forever? IronicNews May 2013 #98

No justification... onpatrol98 May 2013 #143

Would you draw the line anywhere? marshall May 2013 #199

Because there are TONS of gay kids out at those ages/schools, right? IdaBriggs May 2013 #58

So, if Kate was male, would you feel the same? AtheistCrusader May 2013 #12

I would. GermanSmoker May 2013 #14

Well, in this case, the law of the appropriate jurisdiction prohibits such a relationship. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #16

Actually, tabasco May 2013 #80

As long as they love each other and theirs no hint of abuse in any way Drale May 2013 #17

The law defines that age differential as prima facie evidence of abuse. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #19

I'm arguing that the law is wrong Drale May 2013 #21

Equal protection under the law. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #23

That would be more comfortable treestar May 2013 #29

thought that's what it is in all the states...but there is a difference if the genders are the same Alameda May 2013 #34

When it comes to teens treestar May 2013 #39

I am glad she didn't take the plea deal. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #40

+1 davidpdx May 2013 #206

Sometimes, the law is an ass. Comrade Grumpy May 2013 #32

Quite frequently, actually primavera May 2013 #155

Age is a poor indicator of unequal power primavera May 2013 #159

You seem like the exception to me shawn703 May 2013 #163

True, my situation was extreme primavera May 2013 #204

Still, this is an exception shawn703 May 2013 #205

you are 23 sector16 May 2013 #115

Welcome to DU my friend! hrmjustin May 2013 #119

my sister is just about 3 years older than I am magical thyme May 2013 #202

Funny thing, the parents didnt stop the relationship when the older girl was 17. rhett o rick May 2013 #69

There's no proof that the parents knew about any relationship when the older girl was 17 shawn703 May 2013 #70

Somebody lied about what happened Yo_Mama May 2013 #93

I agree. I dont think a 14 y/o should be involved in a sexual relationship. rhett o rick May 2013 #100

tell me they'd have a problem with it if it was a straight relationship dlwickham May 2013 #103

Who wouldn't have a problem with their 14 year old having a sexual relationship shawn703 May 2013 #105

I don't know where you live dlwickham May 2013 #118

Exactly my point shawn703 May 2013 #139

I don't think you understood what the other poster meant. BuelahWitch May 2013 #147

What proof do you have for your belief they are bigots? shawn703 May 2013 #149

How did the younger girls parents find out about the relationship? davidpdx May 2013 #207

I don't know that the parents ever stated shawn703 May 2013 #210

I thought I heard that both the basketball coach and another parent were involved davidpdx May 2013 #213

It happens all the time and doesn't make the news Yo_Mama May 2013 #108

one of my sisters dated a high school senior when she was in like 8th grade dlwickham May 2013 #117

Dating, but sex with an 8th grader? Yo_Mama May 2013 #165

I am getting kidn of tired of all the anecdotes. Some parents might approve, but some wouldn't. LisaL May 2013 #188

18 is hardly an adult... she was a HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR.... justagurlinseattle May 2013 #121

Phone call PROVES Kate had stopped seeing their daughter....... justagurlinseattle May 2013 #125

Welcome to DU my friend! hrmjustin May 2013 #136

Phone calls prove nothing of the sort. LisaL May 2013 #156

phone calls only prove they stopped calling on those 2 phones. uppityperson May 2013 #172

Not so fast. Are you referring to the quote? magical thyme May 2013 #203

Parental control RayStar May 2013 #9

Their daughter is 14. LisaL May 2013 #13

Good luck with the prosecution when the defense puts her on the stand. IdaBriggs May 2013 #60

"Did you engage in consensual sexual activity?" "Yes" Daniel537 May 2013 #61

Except for the jury nullification that *will* occur. nt IdaBriggs May 2013 #63

Nobody can ever predict how a jury is going to rule. Daniel537 May 2013 #64

If not, voir dire is going to be interesting. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #209

She couldn't legally engage in consensual sexual activity at 14. LisaL May 2013 #84

Minors cannot consent. Period. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #94

Except it is SELECTIVE prosecution and that is going to bite them. IdaBriggs May 2013 #131

That might change things. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #157

National Media Circus madaboutharry May 2013 #102

And whose fault is that? rebecca_herman May 2013 #107

The younger girl's parents madaboutharry May 2013 #110

According to them, they tried rebecca_herman May 2013 #114

Seeing as Florida has victim's rights--wherein the victim can ask that felony charges ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #25

I would like a link to that statute shawn703 May 2013 #30

Link... ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #31

So it sounds to me shawn703 May 2013 #35

I do. ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #36

I don't have a problem with the discussion shawn703 May 2013 #42

I wouldn't react the same way as Screaming Meemee... Violet_Crumble May 2013 #122

The parents know their child better than anyone else shawn703 May 2013 #141

There are ways to stop that very easily Drale May 2013 #38

Like I said upthread shawn703 May 2013 #43

How so Drale May 2013 #44

Those weren't the only people with knowledge of the relationship. shawn703 May 2013 #46

They didn't report it in this case Drale May 2013 #48

I don't know about that state, but in mine, they are required to by law. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #50

Yup. mac56 May 2013 #55

Because the parents took action? shawn703 May 2013 #52

The teacher that informed the parents could have informed the police directly. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #49

I think that goes for all states. Teachers are mandatory reporters. LisaL May 2013 #81

REALLY????? justagurlinseattle May 2013 #123

You were mature enough at 14 shawn703 May 2013 #127

So what if a few lives are ruined because not all 14 year olds are mature enough to decide? laundry_queen May 2013 #148

Florida recognizes this shawn703 May 2013 #150

well, I think given the circumstances that's small comfort laundry_queen May 2013 #152

The only thing that raised my concern was... Wait Wut May 2013 #33

Your right, it was wrong for the daughter to disappear like that but Drale May 2013 #41

What if 14 year old "fell in love" with a 40 year old? Would that 40 year old get this much support? LisaL May 2013 #76

Because 40 is obviously different then 18. Jennicut May 2013 #96

We're talking about two high school students, not 40-year-olds n/t BuelahWitch May 2013 #146

If they're telling the truth.... Captain Stern May 2013 #3

Shame RayStar May 2013 #4

The basketball coach contacted the victim's parents and told them they were in a relationship. ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #28

One of the sexual encounters occurred on school grounds shawn703 May 2013 #45

I have no problem with that. I have no problem with Kate getting in trouble. ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #56

The term "jail bait" is not new. Neither is this issue. Evergreen Emerald May 2013 #138

It has nothing to do with gay zeemike May 2013 #5

say what? Kali May 2013 #106

Well i know I was. zeemike May 2013 #116

I wouldn't call 14 a child laundry_queen May 2013 #151

Well I am glad you were not effected by it. zeemike May 2013 #161

And I say infantilizing teens is causing an equal amount of issues. laundry_queen May 2013 #177

You equate not having sex with being treated like a child. zeemike May 2013 #180

No, I don't - that is twisting my words and I never said that. laundry_queen May 2013 #183

Did not mean to twist your words zeemike May 2013 #187

As a hypothetical, flip the gender of the older party in the relationship. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #6

Well it sure wouldn't get as much sympathy on DU, if an 18 year old male was accused LisaL May 2013 #7

As the mother of a 14-year-old son, if this case were two high school students? ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #27

Ditto laundry_queen May 2013 #153

I can't speak for the entire nation, but... Wait Wut May 2013 #37

it`s against the law no matter who it is madrchsod May 2013 #24

Wait, now the younger girl is 14? Earlier reports indicated she was 15 when they started dating. haele May 2013 #47

That's what I initially saw as well: 15 to 17. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #51

15/17 is what the first reports said Drale May 2013 #53

Unfortunately shawn703 May 2013 #54

ROFLMA! Hysterical! Because telling a teenager to "stay away" from their "TRUE LOVE" IdaBriggs May 2013 #57

Under the law, 14-year olds can't consent to sex. Daniel537 May 2013 #59

That is NOT how things work in real life. IdaBriggs May 2013 #62

People do go to jail for statutory rape. Daniel537 May 2013 #66

Yes they do. Which is why teenage virginity is so common. IdaBriggs May 2013 #71

you were asserting that parents could be charged Kali May 2013 #104

Ran away from home, or snuck out of the house? shawn703 May 2013 #68

Exception versus the rule, and over reaching by the DA. IdaBriggs May 2013 #72

Who said anything about religious beliefs shawn703 May 2013 #75

"Victim" - lol! IdaBriggs May 2013 #82

Yes, victim shawn703 May 2013 #88

SEX CRIMES?????? justagurlinseattle May 2013 #124

As with most crimes shawn703 May 2013 #126

This is not a sex crime. This is a high school romance with idiot parents. IdaBriggs May 2013 #129

Idiot parents? shawn703 May 2013 #134

Eighteen cynzke May 2013 #65

If you're 17 christx30 May 2013 #73

I don't think anyone here can fairly judge this Marrah_G May 2013 #67

According to the parents, 14 year old also run away and they say she was with the 18 year old. LisaL May 2013 #74

They don't like that their daughter is a LESBIAN HockeyMom May 2013 #77

I fail to see anything that supports this claim. LisaL May 2013 #78

Except their testimony at the school board and such. IdaBriggs May 2013 #83

Please provide a link to their school board testimony shawn703 May 2013 #92

Go google yourself. IdaBriggs May 2013 #130

Obviously I did shawn703 May 2013 #132

Strange. I read it the first time on Huffington Post. IdaBriggs May 2013 #133

Oh I have no doubt it was reported the way you said shawn703 May 2013 #135

Having your parents get your girlfriend arrested crosses the line into idiots. IdaBriggs May 2013 #142

I think you're mistaken shawn703 May 2013 #144

link? n/t tammywammy May 2013 #101

She is 15 NOW HockeyMom May 2013 #85

You should read the police affidavit. LisaL May 2013 #86

No, that is a lie Yo_Mama May 2013 #95

LisaL is right shawn703 May 2013 #79

They are 18 and 15 HockeyMom May 2013 #87

Again, you don't know what you are talking about here. LisaL May 2013 #89

Read the affidavit shawn703 May 2013 #90

Exactly. LisaL May 2013 #91

The initial reports were WRONG and they were 14/18 when they had sex? Reporting INACCCURATE INFO uppityperson May 2013 #173

um, according to Kate's mother's blog, they became friends after magical thyme May 2013 #198

Yeah, parents of girls never want older boys charged. Union Scribe May 2013 #111

Would you arrest MY daughter, HockeyMom May 2013 #192

It depends shawn703 May 2013 #193

Same as this case HockeyMom May 2013 #194

The differences shawn703 May 2013 #197

stop repeating FALSEHOODS cali May 2013 #200

You don't know that if the girl spent the night at an 18 year-old boy's house Yo_Mama May 2013 #195

The newscaster seemed like she was indicating we should cut down on 'internet activism'. IronicNews May 2013 #97

Apparently these interviews with the parents are in a controlled environment ScreamingMeemie May 2013 #120

"underage victim" and "the case that has gripped the nation" PSPS May 2013 #99

The parents of the 14 year old girl are the ones who should be charged... Locut0s May 2013 #109

Which girl...and for what? nt Union Scribe May 2013 #112

oh right not clear the way I posted it... Locut0s May 2013 #113

For what crime? N/T shawn703 May 2013 #128

it makes no sense under any law. cali May 2013 #137

How would you write a law protecting children? Evergreen Emerald May 2013 #140

Oh please! They were students at the same high school BuelahWitch May 2013 #145

No, you don't understand. LisaL May 2013 #154

And there is no switch to turn a 14 yo brain into an adult Evergreen Emerald May 2013 #191

Charged with what? I am honestly curious what they should be charged with as I haven't heard this. uppityperson May 2013 #174

Scum of the Earth. Tien1985 May 2013 #158

I think more regret shawn703 May 2013 #160

Doubt it Tien1985 May 2013 #166

What evidence do you have shawn703 May 2013 #167

From the description of it in the link you posted. Tien1985 May 2013 #168

So yes shawn703 May 2013 #169

That's not what the parents said Tien1985 May 2013 #170

I'm curious why shawn703 May 2013 #171

I think they Tien1985 May 2013 #178

"I do think the parents are responsible for this media circus" shawn703 May 2013 #181

I think it was predictable Tien1985 May 2013 #184

Not sure how predictable this response really was shawn703 May 2013 #186

I think Tien1985 May 2013 #189

I don't think it's necessary shawn703 May 2013 #190

The younger girl's parents are "responsible for the media circus" and hence "scum"? uppityperson May 2013 #182

Read my Tien1985 May 2013 #185

Kate's parents LIED about the younger girl's parents to smear them in the court of public opinion. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #208

This blog Tien1985 May 2013 #211

That's a pretty good post. AtheistCrusader May 2013 #212

What is the difference between "sneak out" and "run away"? Trying to understand the different takes uppityperson May 2013 #175

The younger girl left her home without telling her parents shawn703 May 2013 #179

Considering I know at least three guys who were arrested at 18 Nikia May 2013 #162

I think the big deal is that an accused is a cute girl rather than some burly male. LisaL May 2013 #164

Exactly. I do not either. eom uppityperson May 2013 #176

I'm wondering too Yo_Mama May 2013 #196

IMO I have to say life long demo May 2013 #201