Way to blame the victim.
The crux of the issue here is that HE knew what HE was doing. As the adult, it was HIS responsibility to STOP whatever the situation was before it got out of hand. I don't want to hear that he couldn't control himself, or he was seduced, or anything else. He's the adult. He should have known not to mess around with a fifteen year old.
Yes, fifteen year olds do have sex, and they do know what they're doing--as far as they are able, as teenagers with perhaps less maturity and judgement. The catch is that they're usually having sex with other teenagers, in mutual relationships.
And was it consensual? An adult that goes after a teenager is usually abusing their power and status. Have you ever met a teenage Broadway fangirl? These actors are their gods. They trust in them, they hero-worship them, they spend hours thinking about them, they'd probably walk on broken glass for them. If the actor says hello at the stage door they go home and write emails about it. The actor has some measure of power over these kids. It's the same power a rock star has, or a teacher, or a coach, or, yes, a priest. They didn't ask for the power, they didn't ask to be a role model or an object of worship--but they are.
So we have a fifteen year old, and ohmigod! Her hero is paying attention to her! Doesn't that make her feel special? He's invited her home? How cool! She can tell all her friends about it! Is she going to do whatever this person asks her to do? Probably. Is it right? NO. Is the "hero" abusing his position and taking advantage of a minor? YES. Should he be penalized for this? YES.
Adults and teenagers are not considered equal in the eyes of the law. It's up to the adult to make the right decision.
Updated On: 4/7/06 at 07:59 AM