All too frequently I hear the answer, "because she's x years old, she doesn't know what that is" or "because I don't think x (age) is really old enough to be making those types of decisions". Well, okay, but not an excuse to make it criminal; sexuality is a personal thing and only she herself can know if it's something she wants. Age isn't a prerequisite for the informed want; the prerequisite is just maturity in certain areas. When that informed want is present, it's unfair and I would argue abusive to prohibit it unless it meets certain specific criteria (i.e., someone her age). And in basing that social oppression/policy on that false virtue of enforcing innocence with the young, we are as an enormous detrimental and inhumane side effect limiting the rights and freedoms of anyone who isn't as innocent as we dictate that they ought to be based on their appearance.

This has real negative and hurtful consequences. Oppressing certain people's ability to meet their physical and emotional needs including love and companionship causes at the very least unnecessary suffering and at the very worst probably suicide - that is of course aside from all of the violent acts and emotional damage inflicted on the oppressed throughout the practical process of the oppression (such as throwing one partner in prison).

It's completely neurotic.

And evil.

~ R b l