If the law surrounding anal sex can still technically exist, perhaps there are other oppressive faults within this policy as well? I raise the issue of legitimate illegitimate relationships.
In exploring the Age of Consent policy, I have begun questioning the people that have been left out by it. The policy does not speak to individuals who exist in a relationship where one person may have ‘power’ or ‘authority’ over another other than it is exploitative. What happens when there are legitimate relationships between two individuals, even though there IS a power differential? Example: A professor and a teaching assistant where both are 18+ and are engaging in a happy, and healthy adult relationship. What policy protects the rights of these two consenting individuals? When they leave the classroom, are they not two adults making 'adult' decisions?
A recent news article from The Record (Kitchener/Waterloo Newspaper, October 22nd, 2008 www.therecord.com) shared a story about a former Grand River Hospital social worker who “coerced” an 18 year old client into a sexual relationship.
Excerpt from The Record:
“Bergen (former social worker) and the woman didn't have sex together until after she had been released from the Kitchener hospital for the last time and he was no longer working there. She also agreed to the relationship and was 18, the legal age of consent in most situations involving older adults in positions of trust. That meant the case turned on the specific nature of the relationship and whether Bergen's trust, power and authority as her therapist carried over to the sexual affair.”
Now, some of you may be saying, “What!? That’s so wrong!!” or “He used his power over his client to seduce and use her!”
Is it possible to even have a legitimate relationship of this kind? The policy assumes that individuals in power differential relationships should be examined suspiciously, but does not provide any room to support an adult relationship between two consenting individuals.
It feels like a serious gray area to me. What do you think?
- A
No comments:
Post a Comment