Stateline
States throughout the nation have stopped sentencing youths who are convicted of having consensual sex to the same punishments as sexual predators. Last year, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Georgia and Texas changed laws regarding youth of consenting age who have sex with willing partners below the age of consent – so-called “Romeo and Juliet” relationships. (The specific ages of the partners and the allowable age gap between them vary among the states. ) A Georgia case in which 17-year-old Genarlow Wilson was sentenced in 2005 to 10 years for having consensual sex with a 15-year-old girl served as a rallying symbol for the movement. Wilson was released in 2007. Dec. 27, www.stateline.org.
