Tough consequences
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
KANSAS TEENS having sex with someone under the age of 16 have a lot to worry about — pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and longterm emotional effects. Oh, and there’s also the possibility of having to register as a sex offender and carrying that label with them their whole lives.
In Saturday’s Gazette, Marc Goodman, Lyon County attorney, said that the county is receiving more cases of underage teens having sex than they can keep up with. Goodman also talked about the ramifications of underage teen sex — if prosecuted and convicted, both boys and girls would have to register as sexual predators. This is something a child should not have to face because of an ill-advised, preventable choice.
Goodman’s statements are very real facts. To parents of teens, the facts and ramifications should set off alarm bells. The laws in Kansas state that kids under the age of 16 cannot consent to sex — it is against the law and considered statutory rape.
Education about these laws should start early and start at home or the consequences could be severe.
According to www.4parents.gov, it’s never too early to set the stage for healthy teen relationships. Setting the stage and educating kids about waiting to have sex could prevent them from being in a situation that could stick with them the rest of their lives.
The Web site states that when children are young, parents should teach them self-respect, moving on when kids are pre-teen to values in dating and waiting to have sex and when kids are teenagers with raging hormones, it’s time to talk about the ramifications of early sex.
Maybe the laws are unfair for “Romeo and Juliet” teen couples, but the law is the law.
Until it changes, parents should do all they can to prevent their children from breaking the law and living with lifelong consequences.
Brandy Nance
Reporter
Comments
We allow registered users to post comments on this Web site. To learn more about our posting policies please read our User Poster Agreement Policy.
Shredder (anonymous) says...
It is sad we have to tell our kids to be careful about how you show love for their lovers lest we place you on a public pillory for life and have angry mobs threaten or attack you for being on said list. Truth at www.oncefallen.com
August 25, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truelovecharlie (anonymous) says...
Parent's can talk all they want; however, many parents are setting the poor example through adultery and non-monogomous relationships. Not to mention all they learn from sitting in front of the television all day and night and seeing sex so casually depicted and shown as the ultimate connection between people attracted to each other. How many of these kids were conceived out of wedlock? It is far to accepted nowadays. Preach all you want; furthermore, teach by example.
August 25, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
amen on this one Charlie.
August 25, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rickysmom (anonymous) says...
This story is exactly what happened to my 16 year old son and now due to our laws he is registered as a predator for LIFE!!! There are thousands of kids, youths and adults registered due to this law which destroys lives an violates constitutional rights. I truly once thought the registry protects children but its all smoke and mirrors and lies by the politicians and most media. Fact is if someone truly wants to harm a child then no darn registry, GPS or public notification will stop them. Due to this registry being allowed by the citizens more registries are coming for domestic violence, drug offenders, DUI, child abuse until all American's are registered. We must educate our youth but ouselves to the facts and research so we can protect our children. We need educational programs and I created a brochure for families to talk to their children. Email me for a free copy rickysmom@rickyslife.com Reporters and attorneys can ahve a copy and publish it so we can educte the young. www.rickyslife.com Read this story this kid had consensual sex and got sixty years in prison www.freebrandon.org could your child be next? www.americansrealitycheck.com, www.derekoftexas.blogspot.com Thank you Rickysmom Mary Duval
August 25, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
How do you know if someone is the age she/he says? Ask the kid's parents. This is going to far, but if its the law, then kids wise up and be prepared to live with your decisions.
August 25, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kuronc (anonymous) says...
W t f who pushed for these laws? Gazette Reporters?????
August 25, 2009 at 6:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
unfairlaws (anonymous) says...
HELLO, how many of your grandfathers would be a registered sex offender? Elvis would be one for sure. When will our lawmakers wake up and be sensible? Probably never. How much money do these laws cost us in prosecution, probation, parole, prison etc.? Is consensual sex reason enough to ruin someones life forever? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
paulkersey (anonymous) says...
What's really sad is that these "child predator" laws initally came out of CA (no less) to reduce the state's teenage pregnancies. See what happens when government sticks it head in? It doesn't stop! Now they are going to make felons out of two 17 year olds who decide to take a romp in the backseat. It never ends! Get rid of big government!
August 25, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NJinFlag (anonymous) says...
Teens also need to be educated about the dangers and possible legal consequences of "sexting" which has become a trend amongst an estimated 20% of teens. For more on this, see http://askthejudge.info/can-i-get-int...
August 26, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
There is a huge difference between 2 similarly aged teenagers having sex and a 40 year old having sex with a teenager. The latter is what we need to be concerned with. I can deal with it if 2, 14 year olds engage in sex. Is it wrong? Probably yes but neither one should have to be registered as a sex offender, and if they do there should be a big asterisk by their names saying they engaged in consentual sex with someone the same age.
Obviously, the question is where do you draw the line. Is it okay for a 14 year old to have sex with a 16 year old? How about 17? 18? 19? Personally, I think there should be an age gap law. 2 maybe 3 years max, until you are over the age of 18.
I say keep the registry list to the "real" offenders and predators. Those are the ones I want to know about. Not the kid in the same class/age as mine.
August 26, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )