Is it legal for a person to date someone who's mentally handicapped?

[Anonymous]

Like if a mentally handicapped person liked someone who wasn't, could they legally date? I'm not sure how that works.

[worldscolide]

My wife is autistic. She fits the mentally handicapped category, though you wouldn't know it if you met her.

I think it's legal as long as there isn't a power imbalance.

[Asker]

I'm just trying to look out for a friend who has a crush on a lady, he's mentally handicapped but she's not.

[worldscolide]

Let me be real here, how mentally handicapped is he? My wife is high functioning autistic. It's why unless she told you, you'd never know.

I need more context, how are they together? Is there a power imbalance? Does she take advantage of him? Or treat him with disrespect?

[Asker]

Well, he can be a bit slow at times, but it's not too bad. She doesn't take advantage of or disrespect him, she seems to enjoy his company.

[worldscolide]

Unless she gives you bad vibes, like I don't know how to explain it, like her being around him makes you feel like something is wrong. I don't see any issues here.

[Asker]

Yeah, I guess my other concern was the legality of it, but I guess it's fine.

[worldscolide]

It's good for you to be weary for your friend. I'm not saying you should blindly trust, I am saying you should trust but verify.

[Peridot25]

Yeah. As long as they’re legal age

[Asker]

Okay, thanks! One of my friends who is mentally handicapped has a crush on a woman who isn't.

[In_Trance]

Check your local laws and find out

[Asker]

It looks like it, a guy I get along with is mentally handicapped and like a woman who isn't, should I give her a heads up?