Why is it a crim for two minors to have sex?

[ryscford]

Just wondering why this would be a law, I see sex more like a personal and family decision. I started having sex when I was 14 and my boyfriend was 15. He's turning 18 soon and I'm turning 17, almost age of consent in California. We're engaged and would be married but my parents are there to ruin all plans -_-

Anyways (trying not to get off subject) I've always known that it was illegal, just never really understood why. I understand a child 12 and under is pretty much wrong, but once you're able to make your own decisions why does the government have to interfere?

And if it's so illegal, then why offer birth control to minors? Most sex ed programs stop being "abstinent only", wouldn't that be illegal?

[nemausus36]

How would you get caught? The police would have to have a warrant and break into your house at the exact time you are ******* to have the concrete evidence needed to charge you. So it is basically legal.

[abraham90]

Because children do not know what they want and don't take anything serious, also a teen kid would not be ready to become a parent financially and emotionally. The reason it is illegal is to discourage minors from having sex in the first place instead of wasting tax payer money on abortions on something that could have been prevented in the first place.

I highly doubt you can support your child on your own and are more likely get welfare or some other government program from the government

[sherborne16]

It's only illegal for someone who is two or more years older than the minor. The law assumes (often rightly) that a minor hasn't the maturity or experience to properly evaluate the consequences of sex and cannot give informed consent. The older person would be guilty of statutory rape: the younger person would be considered blameless. The law didn't used to make an exception for young lovers close in age, but most states now do so.

[naseem]

Wait a few years, when you are on your third husband and then you'll understand.

[varik]

Because it is to protect dumb people. It is a policy thing. Young people are dumb (no offense) so we protect them and don't let them make stupid decisions like getting knocked up and then asking for welfare money. Or get STD's from a lack of responsibility and knowledge about safe sex. And so did your parents totally allow you to start having sex when you were 14?!! That sounds like a tall tale if I ever heard one. Yea, "family decision"...right, and I am sure you talked it over with them... Unless you are you in some religious cult where they marry kids really young, I doubt you had a sit down discussion where your parents told you to go get laid while not married and gave you their blessing....

[cinnard]

You said it yourself age of consent. We had to set an age when people are responsible for there choices and 18 is it. Til then you have to deal with it.