I agree 100% that a woman's sexuality is treated and 'protected' differently and I am glad and I do not have issue with this.
My issue is really application of law and penalties on a case by case basis. It seems that ALL females who molest minors are given a pass while ALL males end up in the slam. I just can't believe the specifics of every case are identical. I do not even disagree that there exists what you refer to as public policy. Doesn't mean that I agree with it.
you state "most of the rest of us traditionally have seen and understood the difference."
Now you sound like a politician. (no disrespect, simply I had to comment on that one!. Who are 'most of the rest of us', is the question you beg)
The rest of us is the members of the dominant culture in the USA for the last century or so. And yep, I am considering running for office in Nevada! ;-)
The reason that women who enjoy a sexual tryst with a young male are treated differently then males who enjoy a sexual tryst with a young female is because the dynamics of the situation are different, and most people don't consider it as damaging to the younger party, and to the social fabric.
They may in fact be wrong, but its the way they feel. I share the sentiment in most cases, I admit. I think most people do because there isn't a notably outcry about these.
That is, we encourage younger males to be sexual and discourage younger females to be sexual. And as I have said there are numerous reasons for this dynamic.