Moldy Peaches

Conservative MP Rick Casson's attempt to raise the age of consent has failed, with a resounding defeat on the floor of the House of Commons. Parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly against a proposal to increase the minimum age for consensual sex by two years, to 16. 167 MPs voted against the bill with 99 voting in favour.

Under existing Canadian law, 14-year-olds can legally have sex in the country. Casson wanted the minimum age raised to 16, in the hope increasing the scope of the law would protect children from sexual predators.

The proposed legislation raises an interesting question, when are individuals considered responsible for their own actions? Why is it that individuals start paying income tax when they can't vote, drive a car, drink a beer or fight in a war? Should we not try to standardize the age for all these activities? If we allow individuals to work and pay tax at 16, than why not allow them to vote, have a shooter or two and join the army, navy or air force? It seems silly to have staggered age of consent for some of these basic citizen rights.

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