Because the brain of a 15 year old has not yet developed it's full potential for logic, empathy and consequence.
Oh, and this magically happens the second they turn 16?
I don't understand why people are so eager to force a 15 year old to make adult decisions.
Nobody is forcing anyone to do anything.
Edited by kmortis:
Removed personal comment
Why put them in the position to decide if an older partner is a safe sexual experience or an exploitative one. There is a power imbalance.
And there isn't a 'power imbalance' when a 16 year old girl is gang-banged and used like a human sex toy by five 40 year old men while she's restrained and unable to move freely? Color me surprised.
What is lost if a 15 year old and an adult can not have sex? They don't get to have sex, that's it.
What is lost is the ability to have consensual sex with 15 year old. Usually if one still does engage a 15 year old in sex then one is usually punished by this. Sometimes this punishment draconian like in that disgusting bastion of immorality that you come from.
The 15 year old can legally find partners their own age
And what if that 15 year old doesn't think that other teenagers are attractive? What if that 15 year old feels much more comfortable with a 35 year old man? What if that 15 year old finds the boyish bodies and personalities that his or her fellow teenagers have is a turnoff?
Edited by kmortis:
Removed personal comment
the adult can legally find a 16 year old who will satisfy any ephebophilia.
Why the hell should one 'find' a 16 year old instead of a willing 15 year old who actually wants to have sex?
What is at risk is the exploitation of a vulnerable portion of society.
And this risk ceases to exist the second they turn 16?
It has not been shown that the benefits outweigh the risk.
I'm pretty sure 5 years in jail VS no jail time is a pretty huge benefit for someone who chooses to engage in consensual sex with a 15 year old, not that you care about any sort of societal benefit or the wellbeing of the people involved.
You know, let's just put the age of consent at 22. I'm sure there are plenty of 21 year olds who, due to to their relatively young age and little life experience compared to 50 year olds for example, are so vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Surely throwing people in jail for years for having consensual sex with one is going to make the world a far better place for everyone involved. I mean, if a 21 year old came on to you and wanted to have sex you could just say no and go and find a 22 year old instead, right? Nothing is lost.