WHATS WRONG WITH SEX BETWEEN ADULTS AND CHILDREN - ETHICS AND THE PROBLEM OF SEXUAL ABUSE

The belief that sex with adults causes harm to children is often offered as the most compelling argument against such relationships, and is the basis for much current concern about sexual abuse. This paper argues for the importance of a stronger ethical postion, less dependent on an empirical presumption that is not firmly established. It is suggested that basing the prohibition of adult-child sex on the premise that children are incapable of full and informed consent will provide a more solid and consistent approach to the problem.