Child Sexuality Act of 1996

The Child Sexuality Act of 1996 universe is an original alternative universe where adults having sexual and romantic relationships with a child is openly and legally practiced by many societies around the world. Unlike many alternative history stories, this universe does not have one specific point of divergence from our own timeline. It is rather a gradual change in the understanding of childhood sexuality. Perhaps the biggest point of divergence is the philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry about sexuality, but there are minor divergences prior to this.

Background

General Historical Background

Ancient Greece and Rome

An erastes and eromenos

In Ancient Greece, childhood was regarded as a distinct stage of life, transitioning from infancy to adolescence. Children were seen as incomplete and underdeveloped versions of adults, requiring proper guidance and education to reach their full potential. Childhood was not romanticized, but rather viewed as a preparatory phase for adulthood. The Greeks acknowledged the natural curiosity and exploration of children, which was considered an integral part of their development. However, societal expectations promoted self-control, moderation, and the cultivation of virtues as children matured.

One distinctive aspect of Ancient Greek society was the practice of pederasty, a relationship between an adult man, known as the erastes, and an adolescent boy, the eromenos. Pederasty was not solely a sexual relationship but encompassed mentorship, education, and the transmission of cultural values. The specific dynamics and practices varied across different city-states and time periods.

It is important to acknowledge the distinctions in societal attitudes towards the sexuality of girls and boys. Girls were expected to maintain their chastity until marriage, and their sexual development was closely regulated by their families. Marriage marked the transition to womanhood and the proper fulfillment of societal roles.

The age of consent was flexible, depending on cultural and regional variations. Generally, sexual maturity was around twelve or thirteen years of age. Girls would enter marriage at this age, while boys would have a pederasty relationship with an older man. Boys would typically wed a girl when they were between eighteen and twenty-two years of age.

In Ancient Rome, childhood was seen as a distinct stage of life, characterized by dependency, innocence, and the need for protection. Children were considered morally and physically vulnerable, requiring guidance from parents, guardians, and society.

Roman law played a significant role in regulating sexual behavior and establishing the age of consent. However, there was no fixed legal age of consent. Instead, Roman law focused on different stages of development and the capacity for consent, placing responsibility on parents and guardians to ensure the protection of minors.

Education in Ancient Rome played a crucial role in shaping the understanding and expression of children's sexuality. Children received instruction in moral education, emphasizing the virtues of modesty, chastity, and self-restraint. Roman society valued the cultivation of proper behavior and the development of character traits that would contribute to a successful adult life.

Ancient Rome was known for its acceptance and prevalence of same-sex relationships, between adults, between adolescents, and between adults and adolescents. These relationships were often characterized by power dynamics and social hierarchies, with older individuals assuming the dominant role. The exploration of same-sex relationships during adolescence was influenced by cultural and societal norms, but the specific age-related dynamics varied.

Early Christianity and the Medieval Period

In the early Christian era, childhood was regarded as a stage of innocence and vulnerability. Christian teachings emphasized the moral and spiritual development of children, considering them as precious souls in need of nurturing and protection. Childhood was seen as a time of preparation for adulthood, with an emphasis on moral education.

Marriage played a significant role in regulating sexual conduct and determining the age of consent in the early Christian era. The exact age of consent varied across different regions and time periods, influenced by cultural practices and societal expectations. Generally, marriage was permitted once individuals reached physical maturity, ensuring their ability to fulfill marital responsibilities.

The early Christian Church played a central role in providing moral guidance and shaping societal norms regarding childhood sexuality. Church leaders and theologians emphasized the importance of parental guidance, moral education, and the spiritual well-being of children.

In the Medieval period, childhood was considered a distinct phase of life, transitioning from infancy to adolescence. However, the understanding of childhood varied across social classes and regions. Childhood was often seen as a preparation for adulthood, with an emphasis on moral and religious education.

Medieval society placed a strong emphasis on family and kinship ties. Parents and guardians were responsible for the moral upbringing of their children, including their sexual conduct.

In the Medieval period, marriage was often a contractual arrangement involving families and communities. The age of consent for marriage varied across regions and social classes, but it generally coincided with physical maturity. Consent, however, was often secondary to familial and societal considerations.

The legal framework of the Medieval period was diverse and fragmented. Canon law, which governed matters related to the Church, established guidelines for marriage and sexual conduct. Civil laws varied across different regions and were influenced by local customs, feudal arrangements, and societal norms.

Nineteenth and Twentieth Century

Child Sexuality Rights protest, June 10, 1972, Washington DC

The 19th century witnessed a significant transformation in the perception of childhood, with an increasing recognition of children's innocence and vulnerability. The emerging concept of childhood emphasized the need for proper care, education, and protection of children.

The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the 19th century had profound effects on social structures and family dynamics. The migration of families to cities led to new challenges in regulating and protecting children's sexuality, as they were exposed to new environments and influences.

During the 19th century, various countries enacted legal reforms to address concerns related to child exploitation and sexual abuse. These reforms resulted in the establishment of age of consent laws, which aimed to protect minors from sexual exploitation. However, the specifics of these laws varied across regions and were influenced by cultural, social, and political factors.

Victorian morality placed a particular emphasis on the regulation of female sexuality and the preservation of virtue. Girls were expected to maintain their purity until marriage, and their sexuality was closely guarded by their families. Boys, on the other hand, were often granted more sexual freedom.

Medical experts and professionals began to contribute to the discourse on childhood sexuality in the 19th century. Their views on sexual development, hygiene, and the importance of sexual education started to influence public opinion and the approach to addressing sexual matters concerning children.

The establishment of age of consent laws in the 19th century did not completely eradicate child exploitation or address all concerns regarding childhood sexuality. Ongoing debates emerged regarding the appropriate age of consent, cultural variations, and the balance between protecting children and acknowledging their developing autonomy.

The 20th century witnessed a paradigm shift in the understanding of childhood, characterized by a greater recognition of children's rights, autonomy, and sexual agency. Societal attitudes began to embrace the notion of children as individuals with their own distinct experiences and needs.

The emergence of fields such as psychology and sociology had a profound impact on the understanding of childhood sexuality in the 20th century. Pioneering researchers like Sigmund Freud and Alfred Kinsey explored the psychosexual development of children, challenging prevailing norms and fostering discussions on the topic.

The 20th century saw increased attention to sexual education as a means of promoting healthy sexuality and preventing exploitation. Educational initiatives aimed to provide children with age-appropriate information about their bodies, relationships, and consent, fostering a more informed approach to their sexual development.

Throughout the 20th century, many countries implemented legal reforms to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Age of consent laws were still varied in many societies around the world. In developed countries laws for sex under the age of consent, was left to parents, guardians, religious and approved care takers (teachers and social workers, for example).

The feminist movement of the 20th century challenged traditional gender roles, leading to changes in societal attitudes towards childhood sexuality. Feminist activists advocated for equal rights, including sexual autonomy, for both girls and boys, challenging the notion that girls should be subject to stricter sexual regulation.

The sexual revolution of the 20th century, characterized by a greater openness towards sexuality and a rejection of sexual repression, had an impact on discussions surrounding childhood sexuality. Countercultural movements challenged societal norms, pushing for greater acceptance of diverse sexual identities, sexual preferences and orientations.

Stories

The First All American Preteen Pornstar by Jasmine Horus

Child Sexuality Act of 1996/The First All American Preteen Pornstar/TOC