In the U.S., yes, and perhaps in most other countries. Ofcourse, the age of consent varies depending on what country or even what state you're in and then there's the issue of the age differential playing a part as well.
From what I've seen, rape seems to constitute all forms of unlawful sex. I think calling it as such would be best- the problem with the word rape is that a lot of people associate it exclusively with forcible rape, making it a word with too many connotations. As to unlawful sex being a theft of innocence, the other word for innocence is ignorance or a lack of knowledge. I think we can all agree that most people who have engaged in sex have found that it can be a very enjoyable thing if the circumstances are right. It can be argued that society regulates what constitutes lawful sexual interactions in order to avoid people having negative experiences. The fact that countries and even states don't always agree on what the age of consent or maximum age differentials should be suggests that there is still work to be done in this regard. I personally think that there should be something akin to a license to engage in sexual activities, something like a driver's license. Like a driver's license, there could be a minimum age requirement as to when you can apply for one. I came up with this idea a long time ago and I know that it's had its detractors, but it would address an issue that is seldom looked at in any depth, which is the issue of -informed- consent.
The dictionary definitions of rape don't limit themselves to the older party doing the penetrating- simply having intercourse with someone below the age of consent is enough to meet the definition of statutory rape, which we've agreed is a form of rape according to the law in the U.S., and defined this way in at least 2 well known U.S. dictionaries as well.
I think we probably agree that the term statutory rape can be misleading, due to many thinking of rape as someone penetrating or at least forcing someone else to have sex with them. I firmly believe that it would make much more sense if sex where one party isn't allowed to give consent would simply be called unlawful sex- unlawful sex can be all sorts of things, but it's not nearly as charged a word as rape.
When did you realize that your family hates you and that no one who knows you cares about you? You have wasted an entire human life, have nothing to show for it, and are dumber than dog shit. I would pity you, but the world will be a better place when you die soon. Smooches!
