Now, you could be jailed for having sex, if you’re under the age of 18 years old. The latest in a series of sadly misguided legislations meant to safeguard good old Indian morality, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences could be considered a step in the right direction – if it weren’t for the fact that it fails to differentiate between actual sexual offences, and teenage hormones.
Not only is this law outrageous on the grounds that it does not consider the ages of all the parties involved in “the act”, but it also recommends 3 years in the lock-up as punishment for being naughty. With the potential for life imprisonment. Seriously, guys, does our government not have more pressing issues at hand? Don’t get me wrong – the existing laws for sexual offences do need a major facelift, but isn’t this a bit extreme?
I know the intentions here are honorable, but ultimately, teenagers are going to be teenagers, and do you really think counseling them or whatever is going to make them lock away their (pardon my French) dicks and fall into Buddha like abstinence? The most important part of the legislation that recognizes teenagers’ right to consensual sex has been obliterated by some extremist minister who feels that the youth is not capable of coping with the emotional and physical changes that are brought about by sex. With all due respect, consensual sex is a personal choice, and while I’m not saying that every 15 year old out there should go flapping her fanny at every boy she meets, to completely take away the freedom of personal choice is not correct either.
So I guess it’s time for teenagers to break out the chastity belts. Because it seems like the moral watchdogs are stopping at nothing, be it pub busts, or “vulgar” cartoons, and now this, to ensure that we remain in the dark ages forever. Wonder what’s next in line to be outlawed. Shorts? The right to eat bananas in public? French fries? Whatever it is, it’s probably going to be as dark a spot on “India Shining” as this latest gem is now.
good thought. i guess this will always remain a subject with two very diverse point of views...neither of which can actually be proved wrong a) the teenagers or the ones who recently bid farewll to their teens b) parents, 'moral' policy makers and importantly a bunch who were experimental in their teenage years and understand the repurcussions of indulging when one may or may not be physically/mentally prepared. We all know the power of peer pressure don't we
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