Letter of the Day | Don’t expand close-in-age exemption, educate the children

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Mickel Jackson, of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), recently called for decriminalising consensual sex between minors. She went on to show stats , inadvertently, that though the law exists, it’s not a deterrent. How decriminalising the act would be of benefit, based on her argument that it takes up resources. The issues must be looked at case by case, and giving minors an open door by using a broad brush creates more problems than solutions.

In an article published January 4 by Africka Stephens, Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) executive founder, it was outlined that, essentially, the age of consent depends on age range. The close-in-age consideration is clearly a Pandora’s box in that regard. Stephens references JFJ recommendations, stating that ‘a statutory defence could apply’ for a larger age gap (up to five years), where the younger person is 12-14 years old. By that logic, adults can have sex with minors if there is ‘consent’.

How is consent obtained? How is it verified? What are the parameters to measure justifiable consent? If all one has to say is ‘it’s consensual’, then that is an open door to coercion, date rape or drug-induced compliance. The argument for decriminalising seems to overlook logical outcomes and their own reports.

Though they claim they are not promoting underage sex, and possible exploitation, there is no mention of deterrent measures. Multiple studies show that early sexual activity causes psychological stress, anxiety and other mental health issues for young women. Concerns about pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or the stability of their relationships can negatively impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being.

JFJ and FWCF seem to overlook the fact that decriminalisation benefits males disproportionately, as the numbers state. By their own admission, out of the 1,517 cases referred to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, 1,138 are males. They also report that 62 per cent of the cases referred are for sexual intercourse with persons under 16.

Expanding close-in-age exemption will not only promote sexual activity but also encourage grooming. The current law at least gives victims some recourse for the offences against them. Young girls are the ones who become pregnant, face possible abortions and the psychological problems that come with it.

Let the law stay in place, and let the court decide cases based on merits. Educate children about the dangers and possibilities. Prevention is always better than the cure.

CONCERNED CITIZEN