Statutory rape laws perpetuate negative stereotypes of women
Jail·bait
–noun Slang
A girl with whom sexual intercourse is punishable as statutory rape because she is under the legal age of consent.
Every state in the United States has statutes defining the age of consent for sexual activity, ranging from 15 to 18 years.
Most Americans, as evidenced by Dictionary.com’s definition of the word “jailbait,” view statutory rape laws as gender based.
Under the common view of “jailbait,” either these girls are treated as objects that lure men to jail or naive, helpless beings that need legal protection. Both views rob females of their power.
Reading through North Dakota statutes on the subject, I was amazed by the complexity and strictness of these laws.
For example, a 15-year-old can consent to having sex with an adult under the age of 22.
However, one must be at least 18 to consent to sex with those over 22 years old.
How are high school and college students expected to research and comprehend such complicated laws for each state in their area?
Imagine a young man celebrating his 22 birthday.
Yesterday, he could legally engage in a sexual act with his 17-year-old girlfriend.
Today, this man would be committing the Class C felony of corrupting a minor.
Is his girlfriend any less able to consent?
Though the intentions of such statutes may be noble, these laws are based on male and female stereotypes.
While the statutes apply to both genders, by reading the news and listening to what is often said about the subject of consent laws, it becomes apparent that society’s perception of statutory rape is gender based.
I have witnessed people making various assumptions when a teenage girl is dating an older guy.
The young female wants someone to purchase alcohol for her and is willing to make it worth his while.
The male is a sick old man who is preying off her naiveté.
The complexity of interpersonal relationships makes every situation unique.
The reality for a couple with a large age difference may, in fact, be completely opposite of the stereotypes.
Scientists have concluded that female brain development is, on average, two to three years ahead of male brain development.
For a girl who is emotionally mature for her age, dating an older male may be the only way she can find a satisfying relationship.
Yes, sometimes a significant age difference is inappropriate, but statutory rape laws are not the best way to address this issue.
Not all young females can be so easily swayed by an older man.
Many young females are extremely intelligent and enter relationships with an older male with their eyes wide open.
We should teach young females they have the power to say “no” or “yes.”
In addition, young men should be taught that “no” means no.
Rape, molestation and harassment laws exist to protect all females, and males, from unwanted sexual activity.
Acts of consensual sex should not be put in the same category as rape.
I believe parents oftentimes use statutory rape laws to punish a daughter’s older boyfriend and to absolve their daughter of responsibility.
Where were the parents in the beginning of the relationship?
Instead of using the law to try to protect teenage girls, let’s give them the guidance to make the right choices and support them when they make a poor decision.
According to an article in The Forum last week, a 23-year-old man from Barnesville must now register as a sex offender because he had sex with his 17-year-old wife when she was 15.
He may be sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
The girl’s parents were aware of the relationship and allowed the couple to see each other.
The couple is now married, with the permission of the girl’s father, and has two children. The girl’s mother filed the complaint.
Wouldn’t it be better to allow this young man to act responsibly and help his wife raise their two children, rather than register as a sex offender and serve a prison sentence?
If the parents were aware of the relationship from the beginning, why is the mother pressing charges now?
Instead of blindly following gender stereotypes, society should rely on personal responsibility to govern relationships.
Young men should not be criminalized for engaging in consensual sexual relationships. By giving young females the power to consent and the guidance to make the right choices, young women will have a stronger sense of responsibility and empowerment.
Mara is a senior studying journalism, broadcast and mass communication technology.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum