“what makes you so sure children, obviously not talking about babies or tiny kids here, but am including anyone past puberty, cannot consent?”
As mentioned above, the law. And there’s a reason we don’t let kids sign contracts because they literally do not consider the consequences. The brain doesn’t work that way until about 23 or so.
So even if they say, ‘yeah, okay,’ they cannot consent. It’s also why the need a parent or guardian for medical decisions.
“Our minds are not mature fully until our mid 20s.”
Yep.
“It's documented that 18 and even 20 year olds are not fully capable of understanding the consequences of their actions at all times.”
Exactly. So it’s not ‘assume’ they can’t consent, it’s ‘understand’ they cannot consent.
“But we let them screw anyone they wish.”
No, we really do not. Ah, but you mean we don’t call it ‘statutory rape’ if everyone involved is 13. Yes, they can’t consent, nor do they qualify as predators.
“I was 13 once, and I believe then I was fully capable of determining who I wanted to have sex with and who I would not have had sex with.”
Yep. Me, too.
It just didn’t matter a damn, legally.
“They can consent.”
You JUST argued why they cannot.
“The true crime is that it isn't recognized and people's lives are ruined”
No, sex with a minor is the realio-trulio crime, and if that person’s life is ruined, I’m pretty much okay with it.
