Quote:With respect to this subject, there are shades of gray. Someone whose sexual orientation is geared towards minors, no interest in adults, easily fits into what most people consider a pedophile to be (easiest way to get a nun pregnant is to dress her up as an altar boy).
Yep. But at least in western society, acting on one's interest, if one is a pedophile, is unacceptable behavior.
Quote:Then you have the case of someone who acted out, for whatever reasons (cognitive distortions et al), but whose primary (and only real interest) is in adult consensual contact. A lot of those people, once their head is pulled out their ass, I think, are "cured." I don't think you can cure or fix sexual orientation (think of those church groups that try to "fix" homosexuals - do homosexuals really need fixing?). Regardless, it is easy and convenient for society to use the phrase "sex offender" for both types of people who committed a sexual offense. It's too bad so many people get away with sex related offenses for a couple of reasons (the fact a crime was committed and there is no punishment, the fact one or more victims have to suffer through the consequences of being assaulted).
Ouch. I deserved that -- looking back on my comments, I did indeed appear to be supporting a position similar to those of religious right loons who think you can "cure" homosexuality.
Let me make clear that I don't think such a position is viable. Sexual orientation does, indeed, seem to be one of the more immutable of human characteristics.
However, it is imperative (again, in our society) that those whose sexual orientation involves children not be allowed to act on that orientation. And I believe it likely many do not: perhaps they're "bisexual" and can enjoy relations with adults as an outlet, or they simply have sufficient willpower to keep themselves from doing something they know would destroy their lives and those of others.
For those who cannot, it's clear that they cannot be allowed continued contact with open society. Perhaps it's fair and perhaps it's not, but it seems to me that committment and treatment (maybe an alternative outlet can be found for their sexual interests) is a kinder and more Constitutional option than prison.
Skeptic