Outside Insight

The Peruvian Congress passed a law that legalizes sexual relationships between people 14 years old and up arguing that this law only reflects the reality of the country. Peruvian statistics say that 25% of most Peruvian youth between 14 and 18 are already sexually active.

Those supporting this law say it was created in consideration of all those 19 or 18 year olds who have minor girlfriends and would by current (or previous now?) laws be jailed for having sexual relationships with their minor girlfriends.

Why shall we be so concerned about those young men who have 14 year old girlfriends? They can probably understand the law and be prepared to suffer the consequences if they decide to break it. Where is the concern for the young girls at risk of being exploited? It seems odd that there’d be such a concern for such a small group - the hormonal teenage men. What, instead, comes to my attention right away is that this law would also almost innocently (but not really) make sexual relationships (if relationships is what you call that) between 40 year old men and 14 year old girls legal.

I understand that this law is now back in the Peruvian congress for amendments. Hummm…..I’m predicting more unslick attempts to promote misogyny.

Is there really any logical reason why statutory rape laws should be changed? If so many young men are in danger of being jailed for this reason maybe they should try learning a lesson or two. There’s something about humans that makes us different from other animals - we have the capacity to reason…and can definitely control those animal instincts. Are 14 year old kids more mature to consent now than they were before? Does having sex at 14 years of age make anyone, especially young girls, more psychologically mature? It is obvious to me that this law is only concerned with what is convenient for men - young and old. Hasn’t that been the case for too long already? Why promote a culture of poor young uneducated and partner-less mothers? Why not promote responsibility instead?