I would first off like to make the point that I am 100% in agreement for laws to protect children from predators. I feel very, very strongly about that.That said, I turn to an article I read in today's Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel. I am quoting liberally from it.
quote:
Sarah and her mom didn't know that WI's child abuse law, which makes it a felony for anyone to engage in sex with someone younger than 16, applies to consensual sex BETWEEN teenagers. And it applies even in cases like Sarah's. where the sexual partners are the same age.
Sarah, and her boyfiend, are both charged with sexual assault- on each other- and were prosecuted in juvenile court for having sex with a minor.
quote:
Under a separate law, teachers, school counselors, social workers and other health care providers are recquired to report sexually active adolescents to county protective services officers. Those who fail to report can be fined up to $1,000, face jail time or both.
Its goes on to say that in Racine County alone, last year over 200 cases were prosecuted, including same sex couples. The agency's supervisor says...
quote:
It used to be that only boys were apprehended..the idea was that the girls had suffered enough especially if they were pregnant. Today both the boy and girl are being prosecuted in an effort to be more equitable.
The article states that WI's child abuse law is one of the broadest in the nation, but critics say it has spun out of control, and its being used to target kids from low income families.
Keep in mind, this is CONSENSUAL sex between the teens.
IMO, I wish that teens could refrain from sex until they are emotionally and mentally mature. In reality, I am pretty sure this is NOT going to happen. Making it criminal is ridiculous. Most teens aren't even AWARE of this law (I wasn't until today.)
In most states, there has to be a gap of 3 years between the teens to constitute a prosecution. Not here, and altho I am glad that WI is trying to protect children from sexual predators, I think this is ludicrous.
How is a teen supposed to get birth control? Ask questions? Seek advice? The people they could turn to are legally obligated to turn them in!
What reality is this law geared to- a world we wish was there, or the reality that exists?
Any thoughts?
MK