Safe sex doesn’t necessarily mean using a condom or taking birth control, sometimes it’s just knowing about Penal Code Section 22.011 (Sexual Assault).
Students are turning 18, and many have already celebrated this birthday. These students should be aware of the age limitations for dating a minor. Consensual or not, sex with a person three years older or younger is considered statutory rape.
“It doesn’t happen very often here in Wylie East, because of the lack of seniors, but it does happen,” Officer Varner said.
Statutory rape is basically having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent. The age of consent varies from state to state, here in Texas; the age to legally engage in sexual activities is 17.
“According to the Penal Code, 17 is considered to be the age of adulthood. In being an adult, one must be responsible for their own actions. So, if you’re engaging with a 14 year old in sexual activity, you deserve to go to jail for it,” Officer Varner said.
People have mixed opinions about the three year age limit. Some say that it’s no big deal. When in love, age doesn’t matter. In fact, Officer Varner started dating his wife when she was only 14 and he was 17.
“I dated my wife with three years difference between us. I’m not saying not to date because of age. It’s okay as long as it’s not sexual,” Officer Varner said.
On the other side of the spectrum, many people are over offensive about this touchy subject. Parents don’t want their younger children dating older, more mature peers.
“I think the Penal Code is a good thing because three years is a big maturity difference, when in high school. I wouldn’t want my 14-year-old daughter dating and 18 year old,” Ms. Tammy Ritter, mother of freshman Alyson Ritter said.
After the age of 18, a person is legally allowed to engage in sexual relationships with anyone older. So, where as 14 and 18 year olds dating is illegal, 18 and 22 year olds dating is legal, according to state law.
“When you’re an adult, 25 and 29 is not that big of a maturity difference. But, when the person is in high school things change completely,” Mr.Knaggs said.
The Penal Code is not something to take lightly, it can change lives. Even if the parents of the ones involved in the relationship are okay with it, the law isn’t. The only way it is permitted is if the couple is legally married.
“A friend of my college roommate’s was dating a 19 year old while she was 16. Her parents didn’t like him so they filed statutory rape and he was charged as a sex offender. His name is on familywatchdog.com. They stayed together, got married and now have two children; his name remains on that list, and it will forever,” journalism teacher Ms.Thedford said.
