Steve, what makes sex with an 18-yr-old legal, and sex with a 17-yr-old a crime? And why is the "age of consent" different in different places? It's a matter of opinion. Sex is something that confuses and confounds us all - which may be part of what makes it so wonderful. When it comes to sex, there are very few answers that are absolutely right or absolutely wrong. The topic should be open to free discussion, with all sides respecting the rights of others to have differing opinions. And in the end, it's usually the people concerned who should be free to make up their own minds about their own conduct - as long as both parties consent.

Sorry, but this is a mischievous attempt to deflect from the issue. I said in my post that sex should be consensual and non-exploitative. Didn't you catch that bit? If you want to discuss where lines should be drawn apropos of young people and sex, great. Start a thread on it. Your Church has a damn sight more to say, far too much, on sex than that, and its perverted "teachings" on contraception, abortion, gay love, the purposes of sex and the rest get in the way of people enjoying a happy and knowledgeable sex life, big time. What ordinary people need when it comes to sex is good information, not your opinions. The information that the Catholic Church does its damnedest to deny people.