Did you know that, even if it’s consensual, in California if teens under age 18, have sex, both can be charged with statutory rape?

[Kelley1]

If both minors are within of the same age, for example both age 16, it is a misdemeanor subject to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000. Even though it is possible, both minors have never been charged and convicted of statutory rape in California.

[HawkPerception]

What a ridiculous world we live in. Imagine that people for millennia were getting married and birthing children in their teens and now we see teenagers as being too young to make their own choices.


Ancient Times: In ancient civilizations, such as ancient Greece and Rome, it was not uncommon for girls to marry shortly after puberty, often around the ages of 12 to 14. Boys typically married a few years later, usually in their late teens or early twenties. Childbirth often followed soon after marriage.


Medieval and Renaissance Periods: During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the age of marriage tended to increase slightly, with girls marrying in their mid to late teens and boys in their late teens to early twenties. However, in rural communities, where life expectancy was lower and economic factors played a significant role, marriages and childbirth could occur at younger ages.


Early Modern Period: In the early modern period (roughly the 16th to 18th centuries), the age of marriage continued to rise slightly, with girls often marrying in their late teens or early twenties and boys in their early to mid-twenties. This period also saw variations based on social class and economic status, with wealthier families often delaying marriage for their children to negotiate advantageous alliances or ensure financial stability.


19th and Early 20th Centuries: By the 19th century, there was a gradual increase in the age of marriage in many Western societies, particularly among the middle and upper classes, as education and economic opportunities expanded. However, in rural and working-class communities, marriages often occurred at younger ages due to economic necessity.


20th Century and Beyond: In the 20th century, especially in industrialized nations, there was a further increase in the age of marriage and childbirth due to factors such as increased access to education, changes in social norms, and advancements in contraceptive technology. By the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, it became more common for individuals to delay marriage and childbirth until their late twenties or thirties, as they pursued higher education and established their careers.

[Chazmatazz269]

It’s called “dead letter law” when laws are on the books but never enforced. What you’ve described is technically true in most US states, though the age of consent varies. Most states observe exceptions for close-in-age consensual relationships especially if both are minors, unless parents press the issue. More often than not, regardless of who was the motivator behind the acts in question, boys are held accountable as the standard. No US state has ever arrested a female for sexually assaulting a male unless there was a great disparity in age and a noteworthy power dynamic at play. Some states not even then. There are at least three states in which grown women can not only rape little boys at will, if they get pregnant they can employ the state to hold their victims responsible for child support. No joke.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Its not consensual if they are under 18 or the age of consent.

Thats what age of consent mean, if you are younger than that age you aren't legaly able to consent.

Its stupid, espacially when both are 17 but thats how it is.

[Kelley1]

Only underage males can consent to sex. Underage females cannot consent to sex. When making decisions in cases seeking child support from male victims of statutory rape, the courts are relying heavily on the fact that these males are not considered victims because they “consented” to sex.

[TheorionMage]

Can we legally define 'have sex'?
Do we limit this to 'vaginal intercourse' OR 'engaging in intimate AROUSING foreplay orally, manually, anally or using 'dildo's? And, what of the societal intrusion of conservative puritanical 3rd parties?

Can THEY be ALSO legally charged with 'prurient intrusive voyeuristic pornographic conduct'?
Shades-of-grey--- often a cinematic 'spectator sport'

[AviatorTom]

California is not unique. Most (all?) states have laws about statutory rape, based on the age of consent. It's important to realize that the age of consent means that someone younger than that is not mature enough to make decisions for themselves. You can't have consensual sex if you can't make your own decisions.

[Kelley1]

The courts have ruled that underage boys can consent. lawpublications.barry.edu/.../viewcontent.cgi

[Twalli]

This is true in most states since the law just says the underage participant was raped in a statutory sense. It doesn't specify that one has to be over the age of consent. So if two people under the age of consent, they l have both committed statutory rape on the other one.

[mrkdvsn]

It seems like Califonication would be moving in the OPPOSITE direction than this. (Allowing consensual sex of ALL different ages). But in any case, why would it be any business of the state/courts what happens involving this type of behavior of people who are ALL under the age of 18? Isn't that something parents should address?

[Berethor]

Didn't it illegal between adult and teen, not two teens? anyway a clear case of jail bait. :)

https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Jail_Bait

[strateguy632]

yes, but you would think the liberals would allow sex at 16 like red states. wtf?

[JHNS98]

Age of consent is 15 in Sweden. I don't know under which government it was approved, but it's not a political issue here.

[slatyb]

I didn't. I knew that was the law in Illinois. Weird.

[exitseven]

It is like that where I live too.