SAVE IT FOR MARRIAGE
Recently, I decided to look up what the event “I Always Get Consent” was about after seeing multiple flyers around campus. I agree that sexual violence is horrific, demands justice and must be stopped. However, after looking into the event, I believe rather than promoting a community free from sexual violence, the opposite is happening.
During the presentation, which I viewed online, the presenter made the comment, “There’s sort of this idea that consent talks mean we’re trying to make your sex life a legal formality, which is frankly terrifying.” I would have to disagree. While everyone has the responsibility to make their own decision, the legal formality of marriage should be promoted as the only acceptable means of consent for sexual relations.
Having worked as a peer counselor at a pregnancy resource center, I have heard the stories of many young women and have seen how their lives have been violated and hurt — physically, emotionally and spiritually — even when they gave “consent” outside of marriage. Further, promoting a culture that values sex outside of marriage creates an environment that is ideal for sexual violence to occur. Considering the consequences of sex outside of marriage, I would say it is terrifying not to make your sex life a legal formality.
Carlie McIntyre
Undergraduate
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