There age of consent should remain 18, but also an age “window” (4 year?) that prevents stupid prosecutions. An 18 year old should not get into trouble for having relations with a 16 year old. However, a 21 year old having sex with a 16 year old is a problem.
Why not? Do you think it's good for unmarried 18- and 16-year-olds to be having sex, making babies, and spreading disease? What about 15- and 14-year-olds? 13?
We're talking about something that's wrong and has significant bad consequences, both for the participants and for society. Some kind of "get in trouble" - a fine, community service - might make some of them think a little.
Thats my thought as well, put in a narrow range up/down where teenagers won’t be prosecuted.
Thats the way to handle this, if it should be handled. And its so obvious
as the best answer. So much so that its really hard to see those advocating forca general reduction in the age of consent using the “protect kids” argument as a Trojan horse to enable child molesters.
1. Its 16