With the caveat that there should be no law against minors having sex with each other (within a year or two). Not saying it's a good idea, but the fact that both partners can be charged with rape of each other in some laws is ridiculous.

Teach children they are evolved animals, but then don't get surprise when they behave like animals. Are we trying to regulate "evolution"?, LOL.

The act or the offence?  It seems that the offence is pretty broadly disregarded by the law and the community at large, including the "victims" don't cha think?  How many 18 year old virgins did you know when you were around that age?  Be honest.

I think that some people end up more punished than necessary i.e girls (and boys) flashing fake ID's so their partner(s) honestly believes they ARE of age...but, in general, I think Statutory rape charges SHOULD exist, because there are those people who seek younger girls/boys.

Okay, Frank pointed out that not all dates would be seeing a card from someone. But I also think that one should KNOW a date before sleeping with him/her. You pick up some random stranger somewhere than YOU'RE the one risking everything, whether it be STD's or a stat. rape charge. If you were a little more careful, maybe it wouldn't be such a big problem.

it is stupid, because a person's readiness to engage in sex cannot be generalized to one age for all. I know a girl who was with her older boyfriend for over a year before she knew she was ready to have sex, he waited like a gentleman and never pressured her, and still what he's doing with someone he loves is considered rape? update while i understand the point in that who would want a 25 yr old having sex w/ their 15 yr old daughter, but im just i have a problem with viewing 18 year old highschoolers as adult rapists

In general I believe statutory rape statues should stay somewhat they same. There are possibilities in some states for improvements to the existing statutes to take into consideration multifarious complexities involved in these cases to attain justice in more equally prescribed manner- but in total these laws serve are very important purpose and should by and large remain the same.

NO WAY!!! Any adult 18 and above should never have sex with anyone under 18. If we abolish statutory rape, teenage pregnancy will go up and our teens will become dangerous and rebellious.

As a parent of 5 children, ages 16-9, I can't believe anyone (who isn't a modern day monster) would even consider it. No adult should EVER, for ANY reason, engage in sex with a minor.

This is absurd to even be questioned.

UHM WOW

To anyone who thinks it should be abolished. Wait until you have a daughter someday and then come back and revisit that question. Of course this law should not be abolished. A sixteen year old girl might look old enough to know her own mind, but inside she is still just a girl and should be protected from herself and the predators out there who would love nothing better than to take advantage of a sixteen year girl. I have baseball bat ready for someone who thinks they would get away with this with my girls.

A keen issue that no one wants to honestly address. Denying human sexuality flies in the face of empirical, medical, and social evidence. Quit tip-toeing around, and put the onus of responsibility squarely where it belongs: on the persons involved. Chalk up relationship experiences as either good or bad, and move along with your lives. Abolition would affect such a tiny percentage of the population, it'd barely register as a blip on the societal radar screen.

It should be lowered to sixteen.

I tend to agree with Aryandan. Although it pains me to think of it in terms of my own Children, I am too aware of the fact that there are so many young girls out there who are more than happy and are experienced and mentally ready to lie down with an older man. Is it good judgement for a mature man to take advantage of this opportunity? probably not, but to say its criminal when the partner is not only able but willing...that is just no the way it is. I would at least change the laws by lowering the age of the girl to 14-15. Dont get me wrong, this is immoral but so is porn, homosexuality (in my opinion) and a lot of other things that are not treated the same way.

This one goes against nature. It's really a new stance being forced on society by an already intrusive government. There should be some protection of the youth, but after you reach puberty, the body is ready. Should be the decision of the two in tango and the parents, not the police. And to call it rape when it so clearly is not, only hurts the victims of real rape.