Children's rights?

I wonder how many of you have taken the time to read the 2002 Libertarian Party platform. Specifically, the "Domestic Ills, Population" section. The third paragraph reads "therefore we call for the repeal of all laws that restrict anyone, including children," in engaging in voluntary exchanges of goods, services or information regarding human sexuality, reproduction, birth control or related medical or biological technologies.

As a Libertarian I can agree with this plank, but not with "including children." How can we emancipate a child for sexual purpose and for none other? What this does is give the child the full rights and responsibilities of an adult in sexual matters. Children are minors for the very reason of their inability to handle these responsibilities, and the freedom to make adult decisions bears responsibility.

This may also undermines parental authority. Since the child has been given the same rights in sexual matters as an adult, what would prevent a 12-year-old who wanted to engage in prostitution from suing a parent for the right to engage in this practice? And what recourse would a parent have against another adult who encouraged the child?

Those who sexually prey on children will love this plank. They would probably be immune from prosecution unless it could be proven they forced the child in some sexual act.

There is a good reason for children to not have the full rights of an adult. They don't have the ability to handle the responsibility. Nor do most children who have reached the age of consent. What 16-year-old has the ability to provide for her or his own self and raise a child? Well, today they have the state to support them, and I am sure we do not want that to continue.

As it is, this is a bad plank and should be removed.

-- Robert Kepka, Sebastian, Florida