Comments on: Is Pedophilia a Mental Disorder?

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:08 +0000

One more addition to the consent argument. Children consent to things all the time. In the case of sexual consent, teenagers are becoming more sexually active then ever before. Myspace and other Networking websites where children can express themselves online allow more ample opportunities for these kids to engage in sex.

We currently penalize adults who engage in sex with a minor…
Should we penalize minors for having sex within their age range? Think about it…

Homosexual activity was once frowned upon, now they are accepted. In a matter of time… bestiality and adult minor relationships will gain this same acceptance. Where is the common sense people, homosexuality is a disgusting act and a mental disorder, along with pedophiles and animal lovers!

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:52:00 +0000

Very interesting argument and in all fairness its changed my outlook on this issue of pedophilia. You’ve pointed out an interesting comparison between Homosexuals and Pedophiles. There really isn’t a difference between the two. And Jeff may like to use the old consenting clause argument to continually separate the two, but his argument will fail based on the countless of underage sexual events that have occurred over the years.

There is no difference between a consenting 14 year old having sex with a 14 year old and a consenting 14 year old having sex with a 30 year old. If NATURE has deemed that they are capable to have sex, then why should age restrictions be implemented. Why should humiliation and criminal penalties be implmented in this sort of relationship. If we are to assume that 14 year olds (or anyone under 18 for that matter) are mentally incapable to endure a sexual experience, then why not put laws on mentally challeneged adults engaging in sex with normal adults.

Homosexuality and its acceptance has opened a flood gate that allows every other perverse sexual activity to be considered “Normal”.

For the record, I do not endorse any sexual act (especially involving same sex partners and minors) as normal.

By: kerwin

kerwin — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 07:03:41 +0000

So according to science short people are crazy. That sounds a little hokey to me.”

Jeff,

Children can consent. What is your definition of an adult. Every definition I have heard is arbitrary.

By: Brujo Blanco

Brujo Blanco — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:34:00 +0000

I have experience investigating child molesters and I have had contact with some that were flaming imbeciles and also those that were geniouses. The American Psychological Association came up with some theory that if a child consents to the molestation it would not necessarily cause psychological scaring. That raised an uproar from the law enforcement community. This concept of children consenting is rediculous. A child, as far as I am concerned, is not capable of waking up on time to go to school much less consenting to a sex act with an adult.

By: Jeff Molby

Jeff Molby — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:11:12 +0000

I didn’t mean to come off as dismissive of his overall analysis. His logic is sound, he just stopped short. If he had, he would have seen that the slippery slope is actually two converging slopes:
- To what extent should society regulate sexual behavior amongst consenting adults?
- To what extent can minors consent?

He is correct in pointing out that society has steadily progressed towards an answer of “not at all” for the former, but if there has been any movement at all on the latter, it has been towards more regulation.

That’s why society can safely tolerate homosexuality and all of the non-missionary acts that have lost taboo status without compromising our position in regards to pedophilia.

By: Jay

Jay — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:58:58 +0000

I think he put a much more complex case than your simple answer covers Jeff. Though basically, that is how we all feel about it. That is why he is writing about it, to bring awareness to what could be a slippery slope.

By: Jeff Molby

Jeff Molby — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:52:03 +0000

What is the difference between the two conditions?

One involves consenting adults. The other does not.