• Encrypt-Keeper@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      Do not take this as an endorsement of his behavior because it’s still repulsive, but the reason why it wasn’t referred to as “statutory rape” is because it isn’t. “Had sex with a minor” is the most accurate and sufficiently accusatory phrase they could use. If he and the minor were from Arkansas where the age of consent is 16, then apart from being morally wrong, it’s not illegal.