Bahtatboy

I don't know, but didn't Blair bring in (or rather extend) religious schools? And its entirely feasible that his parents are (or rather were) happy for him to be getting a purely muslim education, either because they believe that's a genuinely good idea, or because they're from a culturally-impoverised background and any education--especially a muslim one--is welcome.

Meow

That rings true, but surely even a religious school is legally bound to teach the standard subjects? I do wish religion was kept out of schools and public life, although I appreciate this is wishful thinking on my part, although also forcible brain-washing on the part of others.

Bahtatboy

Yep (although the law doesn't call it rape), but it seems that clink was unlikely to be on the cards (yes, I know I'm repeating part of an earlier post):

• Immediate custodial sentences were inappropriate in respect of offences of rape of a child under the age of 13 where the victims had consented, the perpetrators believed that the victims were 16 years old and there was no evidence of emotional or physical suffering by the victims. Sentences of one year's detention or imprisonment respectively, suspended for 12 months with 12 months' supervision, were appropriate.
• Taking into account the exceptional circumstances, a sentence of 30 months' detention imposed upon a 17-year-old offender for rape of a child under 13 was excessive where the offender had had consensual sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl, believing her to be nearly 15 years of age. The appropriate sentence was a 12 month detention and training order.

britexpat76

I think reading, she was more than a willing participant and he would not of got caught had she not of boasted. I agree Rape is a hard word and does shock. I cannot imagine for a second why an adult would do that with a 13 year old....At school (Where we were all the same age) at 13 we were going at it like rabbits though...... So I am not saying she is innocent, but the adults in the situation should know better.

Bahtatboy

Totally agree, although I don't think that the age of consent is part of the standard curriculum (or is it part of sex education?).

Meow

When you were 13? Not when/where I was at school.

Meow

I thought all schools had sex education lessons, although parents can opt their children out. It just seems an odd thing not to know. Isn't it just one of those things you know if you grow up in the UK?

Beaverstate

Are you Roman Polanski's Lawyer? 13 year old "willing participant?" We don't let 13 year old's drink, drive, vote, have full time jobs etc.. even if some 18 year old sweet talks her/him into it. Lasting effects can't be known for years to come. No part of this is defensible. Gawd I sound like Gloria Steinem.

britexpat76

13/14 most of us were out there as such........... That's private education for you.

scrubbedexpat141

Youngest I knew of at mine was 15 and we weren't that impressed...even though we were at an all boys school. I was 16 and at college and was amongst the first in my group of friends. It was never a big deal to not have had sex.

Oh, and by the way, I put in a rather impressive first performance.

Meow

Being realistic, there is a difference (if not legally) between an 'advanced' 13 year old who experiments with her boyfriend and someone who is attacked and raped - a physical assult. At no point have I said it is right, but the lasting effect on the girl will be different.

Theseus

Rape is not just where someone is forced against their will - even consentual sex between an older man and an underage girl or vice versa can have damaging consequences. i.e. later on in life a girl realises that the reason she now cannot function in a proper relationship is because she is so f***ed up from inappropriate sexual relationships when younger.

Also a husband that puts undue pressure on a wife to perform sexually so that even though it is "consentual" it feels like rape everytime she gives in and allows him to do his stuff while wishing every second that it was over.

Some would argue there is just as much shame and consequence for the victims of these types of rape as there are in violent rapes.

Is there ever an extentuatng circumstance? I struggle with it - and coming from someone who always wants to find a reason why people do what they do so i can understand and find an extenuating circumstance, I just find it hard to find one.

britexpat76

Mine was quite boring to be fair. Remember watching Lee Sharpe score for Man Utd sometime during and she played 'I've had the time of my life' on tape after. Still friends with her on facebook. My school year was strange, a lot of the lads are still single and having fun and not many in the year have kids.

Meow

I refer you to the word 'could' in my post...

Beaverstate

We will agree to disagree. A 18 year old cousin/older brother does it without force? The ability to influence a far younger person never makes it ok. At least from my perspective.