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Denying equality: an analysis of arguments against lowering the age of consent for sex between men
Author(s) -
Ellis Sonja J.,
Kitzinger Celia
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of community and applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.042
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1099-1298
pISSN - 1052-9284
DOI - 10.1002/casp.670
Subject(s) - lesbian , oppression , newspaper , sociology , sexual orientation , democracy , gay rights , human rights , thematic analysis , gender studies , law , political science , social science , qualitative research , politics
This paper takes a human rights approach to lesbian and gay oppression and critically explores the arguments used to oppose equality in debates about the age of consent for sex between men. A thematic analysis of Hansard and newspaper reports produced in Britain during the 1990s showed that opponents of a proposal to equalize the age of consent countered with three key arguments: (1) principles of right and wrong take precedence over equality; (2) principles of democracy take precedence over equality; (3) principles of care and protection take precedence over equality. Two additional arguments (concerning the health risks of anal intercourse and escalating demands for gay rights) are also outlined. Our findings are discussed with reference to debates on other lesbian and gay rights issues and we consider the ways in which these arguments might best be resisted. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.