it means if you are of majority age, you cannot have consensual sex with someone if they are not the majority age. in the US it varies per state, and it constitutes rape. Even if the underage person had sex willingly, the thought behind the law is that they aren't capable of making decisions and understanding the ramifications of having sex with an adult until they reach the age of consent. So like a 15yo having sex with a 21yo, the 21yo would be charged with rape even if they are "in a relationship" since the 21 the legal adult and the 15yo is under the age of consent.
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Date: 2012-01-31 09:44 pm (UTC)