University:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Course:
17.S914 | Conversations You Can't Have on Campus: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Identity
Academic year:

2022
Views:

317

Pages:

1
Author:

Utblazep7

April 11, 2012 Gender and Sexuality Is pedophilia a sexual orientation? I don’t believe it is. A sexual orientation is a preference of a certain sex. Pedophilia is a preference for a certain age of a person, regardless of their gender. Pedophilia is more of a mental disorder than a sexual orientation. It is infringing upon the rights of others and can lead to rape/ statutory rape. The difference between heterosexuals/ homosexuals and pedophiles, are: Two people can have a functioning and consensual relationship, while with pedophiles, it will never be “functioning” or “consensual”. Also, the former is a relationship between two people of stable and mature mindset, who are fully capable of making their own decisions, while the latter is forming a relationship on the premise of deception. Sexuality in general, if not in cases of mental disorders like necrophilia, pedophilia, etc, is no one’s business to deal with (besides ourselves). There should be no laws regulating this decision, because it is a personal choice and something that should not be left up to the government to regulate. Though I am a religious person, I see nothing wrong with allowing people to do what makes them happy, and likewise, would not like to see the government interfere in such matters of sexuality. 1