I agree with you. Children are particularly vulnerable to coercion and manipulation by adults, period.

I said "a sexual relationship" because that was the specific type of relationship in question, given that the thread was about a child's ability to consent to one.

Age of consent laws are in place to protect children from the coercion and manipulation to which they are extremely vulnerable to. This time I'll make it clear: this vulnerability is not exclusive to sexual relationships, although it is inclusive of them.

The scenario you present is a tragic one. Please don't think that I am against intergenerational sexual contact. I merely propose that the consent of the child's parents, (in addition to the consent of the child), be ascertained before proceeding, just as in any other activity, especially one which will have a large impact on her life.

- Rainbow